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Mehta S, Chahal A, Malik S, Rai RH, Malhotra N, Vajrala KR, Sidiq M, Sharma A, Sharma N, Kashoo FZ. Evading Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Qigong as a Rescue Technique. J Lifestyle Med 2024; 14:6-12. [PMID: 38665317 PMCID: PMC11039444 DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2024.14.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Classically, Qigong is a Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for the past 3,000 years for healing the inner self. Qigong, wherein "Qi" means body energy and "Gong" denotes cultivation, regulates the energy flow in the body. The Qigong technique comprises a package of deep breathing training, gentle and rhythmic movement, and muscle-strengthening exercises that heal the body to activate one's internal soul energy. It has demonstrated its efficacy by inducing relaxation, building up stamina, strengthening immunity, appreciating muscle conditioning, and minimizing anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it has been beneficial in improving awareness of joint and movement senses. Specifically, Qigong brings healing by regulating energy flow in the whole-body systems. Moreover, it has exhibited a variety of regenerating effects by inducing emotional and mental relaxation. In today's world, Qigong exercises are being used for treating musculoskeletal disorders that are work- and stress-related by nature. Qigong is practiced globally as deep breathing exercises, and meditation is practiced for peace of mind and spirituality, whereas vigorous practice includes martial arts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mehta
- Dukhbhanjni Charitable Polyclinic, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Sewa Society, Haryana, India
| | - Aksh Chahal
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shikha Malik
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Richa Hirendra Rai
- School of Physiotherapy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU) Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - Nitesh Malhotra
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Krishna Reddy Vajrala
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Sidiq
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Department of Physiotherapy, Arogyam Institute of Paramedical and Allied Sciences (Affiliated to H.N.B. Uttarakhand Medical Education University), Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Health Science, Uttaranchal College of Health Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Faizan Zaffar Kashoo
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
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Yang H, Li B, Feng L, Zhang Z, Liu X. Effects of health qigong exercise on upper extremity muscle activity, balance function, and quality of life in stroke patients. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1208554. [PMID: 37539378 PMCID: PMC10394517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1208554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study explored the effects of Qigong exercises on upper extremity muscle activity, balance function, and quality of life in stroke patients. Methods A total of 30 stroke patients were randomly allocated to either control group or Qigong group. In the Qigong group, participants completed an intervention of Qigong Baduanjin over 8 weeks. Data on the electromyographic activities of the biceps brachii muscle, triceps brachii muscle, and muscle coordination were obtained using surface electromyography and the co-contraction ratio (CCR). Data on balance were obtained using the PK254P balance function detection system. Quality of life was measured using the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale. Results The results for the Qigong group showed a significant difference in CCR of the triceps brachii muscle (p < 0.01). Concerning balance (assessed using the open-eye test), there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in Y-axis trajectory deviations and the Y-axis speed in the Qigong group. In the closed-eye test, the peripheral area of the Qigong group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in physical health (p < 0.05), psychological health (p < 0.01), environment (p < 0.01), and the total scores for quality of life (p < 0.01) in the Qigong group. Discussion We conclude that Qigong exercises improve the quality of life in stroke patients and have positive effects on the coordination of limb extremities and balance function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Yang
- Institute of Nation Traditional Sport, Harbin Sport University, Harbin, China
| | - Baolong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zhonglou Zhang
- Institute of Nation Traditional Sport, Harbin Sport University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Chinese Traditional Regimen Exercise Intervention Research Center, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Mendo B, Gonçalves M, Lopes L, Matos LC, Machado J. Can Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi Breathing Work Support the Psycho-Immune Homeostasis during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101934. [PMID: 36292380 PMCID: PMC9601556 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathing is crucial in life; nevertheless, the healthcare community often overlooks the health potential of breathing techniques. Conscious manipulation of breathing to achieve specific health goals is found in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. This paper reviews the value of breathing exercises as a foremost mechanism for promoting, recuperating and maintaining health. Practices involving breathing techniques are described, and their prophylactic or therapeutic characteristics are explored. The main goals of this review are: (i) to summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis that breathing practices have a significant beneficial impact on human health; (ii) to provide a deeper understanding of traditional biofeedback practices, particularly yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi, and outline their focus on breathing techniques; (iii) to outline specific immune-related responses, relevant for COVID-19 disorders; and (iv) to call for committed attention and action from the scientific community and health agencies in promoting the implementation of a practical and costless health program based on breathing techniques. This review shows the health potentials of breathing practices and exercises, which, by having a high benefit-cost ratio, could be selected and implemented as a primary standard routine in public health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mendo
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Mário Gonçalves
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lara Lopes
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Carlos Matos
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- CTEC–Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- LABIOMEP–Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Carcelén-Fraile MDC, Aibar-Almazán A, Martínez-Amat A, Brandão-Loureiro V, Jiménez-García JD, Castellote-Caballero Y, Hita-Contreras F. Qigong for Muscle Strength and Static Postural Control in Middle-Aged and Older Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:784320. [PMID: 34957157 PMCID: PMC8692287 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.784320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of a Qigong exercise program on the muscle strength and postural control in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women. This is a randomized clinical trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03989453) conducted on 125 women who were initially assigned to either an experimental group (n = 63) that performed a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks or to a control group (n = 62) that did not receive any intervention. Muscle strength (dynamometer) and postural control (stabilometric platform) were evaluated before and immediately after an intervention period. The main findings of this study suggest that the women in the experimental group had improvements in muscle strength, mean velocity of the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) with both eyes open and closed, and the surface sway area covered by the CoP, as well as the mediolateral and anteroposterior oscillations of the CoP, only with eyes open. The results of the present study determined that a 12 week Qigong exercise program has beneficial effects on muscle strength and postural control of middle-aged and older postmenopausal Spanish women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustín Aibar-Almazán
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Antonio Martínez-Amat
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Fidel Hita-Contreras
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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Goldbeck F, Xie YL, Hautzinger M, Fallgatter AJ, Sudeck G, Ehlis AC. Relaxation or Regulation: The Acute Effect of Mind-Body Exercise on Heart Rate Variability and Subjective State in Experienced Qi Gong Practitioners. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6673190. [PMID: 34211574 PMCID: PMC8208883 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6673190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mind-body exercises such as Yoga or Qi Gong have demonstrated a wide range of health benefits and hold great promise for employment in clinical practice. However, the psychophysiological mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. Theoretical frameworks highlight regulation as a characteristic and specific mechanism of mind-body exercise for which empirical evidence is scarce. To investigate the exact nature of this mechanism, we tracked acute changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and subjective state over a common form of mind-body exercise (Qi Gong). Heart rate variability (HRV) and subjective state were assessed in 42 Qi Gong practitioners from China and Germany during a standard moving Qi Gong exercise (Baduanjin). Relaxation in supine position prior and after the exercise served as a control condition to Qi Gong and to assess changes before and after the exercise. Following Qi Gong, all practitioners reported significantly increased subjective calmness and perceived body activation, attentional focus, and subjective vitality. On the physiological level, a significant decrease of parasympathetic modulation and increase in heart rate indicated a pattern of moderate general physiological activation during Qi Gong. A significant increase in overall RR-interval modulation and cardiac coherence during Qi Gong were indicative of a mechanism of active regulation. Examination of the RR-interval trajectories revealed a rhythmic pattern of ANS activation and deactivation in sync with activating and relaxing segments of the exercise. Significant changes in subjective state, not on the physiological level, before and after the exercise were observed. Significant associations between Qi-Gong-specific beliefs, age, cultural background, and experiential and physiological measures demonstrated the complexity of mind-body exercises as multicomponent interventions. Overall, this study highlights moderate general physiological activation, exercise-dependent rhythmic ANS modulation, and induction of a characteristic state of eutonic calmness as potential psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the health benefits of mind-body exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florens Goldbeck
- Lab for Psychophysiology and Optical Imaging, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraβe 14, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ye Lei Xie
- Department for Traditional Chinese Sports, Shanghai University of Sport, Changhai Road 399, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Martin Hautzinger
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Schleichstraße 4, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Andreas J. Fallgatter
- Lab for Psychophysiology and Optical Imaging, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraβe 14, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Gartenstraße 29, Tübingen 72074, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Gartenstraße 29, Tübingen 72074, Germany
- Institute of Sports Science, Department of Education & Health Research, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Wächterstraβe 67, Tübingen 72074, Germany
| | - Ann-Christine Ehlis
- Lab for Psychophysiology and Optical Imaging, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraβe 14, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Gartenstraße 29, Tübingen 72074, Germany
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Zhu D, Jiang M, Xu D, Schöllhorn WI. Long-Term Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on the Physical Fitness and Quality of Life of Individuals With Substance Use Disorder-A Randomized Trial. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:528373. [PMID: 33391039 PMCID: PMC7775308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.528373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mind-body exercises (MBE) are sequences of low to medium-intensity activities that benefit healthy performers physically and mentally. In contrast to the unmodified application of traditional tai chi, qi gong, or yoga in the healthy population, MBEs are typically tailored for individuals with substance abuse disorder (SUD). Despite numerous applications in practice, the detailed effects of tailor-made MBEs for SUD are unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze and compare changes in the physical fitness and quality of life of individuals with SUD that underwent conventional or tailor-made MBEs. Methods: A total of 100 subjects obtained from the Shanghai Mandatory Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center with SUD were randomly assigned into two groups. The subjects in the experimental group (n = 50) practiced tailored MBE for 60 min a day, five times a week, for 3 months. The subjects (n = 50) in the control group were treated with conventional rehabilitation exercises with the same intervention protocol. The outcomes of fitness and quality of life for drug addiction were measured at the beginning and after 3 and 6 months by a questionnaire (QOL-DA). A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied to compare the difference of treatments in the two groups. Results: Statistically significant differences for the experimental group were found in systolic (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.124) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.097), pulse (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.086), vital capacity (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.036), flexibility (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.143), and aerobic endurance (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.165). Results of the QOL-DA showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in total score (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.158) with greater effects on the former. Conclusions: This study provided evidence that tailored MBE could lead to remarkable effects with regard to blood pressure, vital capacity, flexibility, and aerobic endurance in comparison with conventional rehabilitation methods. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-IPR-14005343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhu
- School of International Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Jiang
- School of International Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Xu
- Shanghai Drug Administration, Shanghai, China
| | - Wolfgang I Schöllhorn
- School of International Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Institute for Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zhang J, Su Q, Loudon WG, Lee KL, Luo J, Dethlefs BA, Li SC. Breathing Signature as Vitality Score Index Created by Exercises of Qigong: Implications of Artificial Intelligence Tools Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2019; 4:71. [PMID: 31853512 PMCID: PMC6919646 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk4040071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising concerns about the short- and long-term detrimental consequences of administration of conventional pharmacopeia are fueling the search for alternative, complementary, personalized, and comprehensive approaches to human healthcare. Qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, represents a viable alternative approach. Here, we started with the practical, philosophical, and psychological background of Ki (in Japanese) or Qi (in Chinese) and their relationship to Qigong theory and clinical application. Noting the drawbacks of the current state of Qigong clinic, herein we propose that to manage the unique aspects of the Eastern 'non-linearity' and 'holistic' approach, it needs to be integrated with the Western "linearity" "one-direction" approach. This is done through developing the concepts of "Qigong breathing signatures," which can define our life breathing patterns associated with diseases using machine learning technology. We predict that this can be achieved by establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-Medicine training camp of databases, which will integrate Qigong-like breathing patterns with different pathologies unique to individuals. Such an integrated connection will allow the AI-Medicine algorithm to identify breathing patterns and guide medical intervention. This unique view of potentially connecting Eastern Medicine and Western Technology can further add a novel insight to our current understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine, thereby establishing a vitality score index (VSI) that can predict the outcomes of lifestyle behaviors and medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhang
- School of Physical Training and Physical Therapy, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qingning Su
- Center of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - William G. Loudon
- Neuroscience Institute, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Gamma Knife Center of Southern California, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92612, USA
| | - Katherine L. Lee
- School of Social Ecology, University of California-Irvine, 5300 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697-7050, USA
| | - Jane Luo
- AB Sciex, Inc., Danaher Corporation, 250 South Kraemer Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821-6232, USA
| | - Brent A. Dethlefs
- CHOC Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), 1201 W. La Veta Ave., Orange, CA 92868-3874, USA
| | - Shengwen Calvin Li
- Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory (NSCL), CHOC Children’s Research Institute (CCRI), Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), 1201 W. La Veta Ave., Orange, CA 92868-3874, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine, 200 S Manchester Ave Ste 206, Orange, CA 92868, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-714-509-4964; Fax: +1-714-509-4318
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Li Z, Zhuang J, Jiang Y, Xiao G, Jie K, Wang T, Yin W, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effects of an Integrated Qigong exercise intervention on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028869. [PMID: 31515419 PMCID: PMC6747653 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Qigong exercise offers a potentially safe, low-cost and effective mind-body rehabilitative intervention for mitigating the problem of gait interruption among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have frequent freezing of gait (FOG) episodes. However, its clinical effects have not been established. This paper describes the trial protocol of evaluating the clinical efficacy of a newly developed Integrated Qigong in improving gait among patients with PD who have FOG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A single-blind randomised controlled trial is designed to compare Integrated Qigong and balance training with an attention control. Participants will be patients with mild to moderate PD who experience FOG and are recruited from local communities in Shanghai, China. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three groups: Integrated Qigong group, a balance exercise intervention group, or control group. The total number of participants will be 126, and masked assessments will be made at baseline, 12 weeks (end of intervention) and 12-week follow-up. Both Integrated Qigong group and balance training group will receive a group-based exercise intervention that meets three times per week, 60 min in duration, for 12 weeks. The control group will receive a 60 min weekly group session and monthly health education. The primary outcomes are gait parameters (stride length, gait velocity, stride time variability) and occurrence of FOG. The secondary outcomes are postural instability, walking disability, falling, fear of falling and quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Sport and registered at China Clinical Trial Registry. Participants will sign informed consent prior to the participation of the trial. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to PD support groups, medical community and media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1800016570.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlan Li
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiping Xiao
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuncheng Jie
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Wang
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhan Yin
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Sport Science, School of Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Application of Meridian Electrical Conductance in the Setting of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3098095. [PMID: 31485244 PMCID: PMC6710765 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3098095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is widely used for improving poststroke care. Knowing the condition of meridian can help traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors make a tailored choice of acupoints for every patient. The establishment of an objective meridian energy measurement for acute ischemic stroke that can be used for future acupuncture treatment and research is an important area in stroke-assisted therapy. In this study, a total of 102 subjects diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset were recruited, and the meridian energy analysis device (MEAD) was used to record the meridian electrical conductance (MEC) values of twelve meridians on unaffected and affected limbs. We found that the MEC value of the twelve meridians on the affected limbs was significantly higher than that on the unaffected limbs (P=0.001). Compared with the unaffected limbs, there was a higher value of MEC on the affected limbs of the lung meridian, heart meridian, pericardium meridian, and small intestine meridian, with significant differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). Further analysis revealed that the MEC values of both Yin and Yang meridians of the affected limbs were significantly higher than those of the unaffected limbs (P=0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, the mean of the index of sympathovagal balance in patients with acute ischemic stroke (5.49 ± 4.21) was higher than the normal range (1–1.5), indicating autonomic imbalance. The results of this study are consistent with TCM theory as well as clinical observation and pathological mechanisms, suggesting that the measurement of MEC values may be used as a supplementary diagnostic method for acupuncture in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
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