Evaluating the Effect of Qigong on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life

The negative influence of cancer on individual lives, families, communities, and healthcare institutions is widely known. Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer and is often followed by pain, anxiety, depression, and overall decreased quality of life. Fatigue and quality of life are complex symptoms that are not easily appeased by medication and are difficult to improve with standard therapies. The purpose of this project was to examine the effectiveness of qigong in improving and preventing common side effects of cancer and cancer care. This was accomplished by providing modifiable and accessible qigong classes, assessing the effect of qigong on quality of life and fatigue symptoms, and disseminating results to support the implementation of Integrative Medicine and Health practices into oncology care plans. The prevalence and physical, emotional, and psychological impact of cancer is well documented in medical as well as lay literature. Current standard of treatments for cancer are associated with a multitude of psychosocial and physical side effects, two of the most impactful being cancer-related fatigue and decreased quality of life. Integrative Medicine and Health (IMH) is an approach to care that incorporates standard therapies with complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi/qigong. Although recognition and prevalence of IMH is growing across the United States, more research is needed to gain public as well as political recognition and impact standards of care. Objectives of this project included (a) increase knowledge surrounding integrative medicine and the potential benefits of mind-body awareness and qigong; (b) provide accessible, modifiable qigong classes; (c) assess the impact of qigong practice on quality life and fatigue in cancer patients and their caregivers; (d) disseminate results to the Integrative Medicine Community. Before initiation of the study, information on IMH and the availability of qigong classes were provided to patients and cancer care providers at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Willing study participants were asked to practice qigong for sixty minutes, two times a week for a period of five weeks. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire, a validated tool that assess eight domains related to quality of life including fatigue, was administered to participants at the beginning, middle, and end of the study period and results were analyzed using mixed linear effect models. Participants were also asked to complete a "Journal of Experience" which gathered subjective responses to qigong and was reviewed at study conclusion for thematic comments. Quantitative analysis of the PROMIS-29 questionnaires demonstrated statistically significant improvement in six of the eight domains measured. Review of participant experience journals demonstrated that practicing qigong reduced anxiety, reduced tension, increased mind and body awareness, increased use of deep breathing to manage stress, and improved individual outlooks on life among other perceived benefits. Incorporating mind body practices such as qigong into standard treatment and survivorship plans has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce the emotional, physical, and economic burden of symptom management on individuals, care providers, healthcare institutions, and the healthcare system in the U.S. as a whole