Oh, B., Butow, P. N., Mullan, B. A., Clarke, S. J., Beale, P. J., Pavlakis, N., . . . Vardy, J. (2012). Effect of medical Qigong on cognitive function, quality of life, and a biomarker of inflammation in cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 20, 1235–1242.

To examine the effects of medical qigong on self-reported cognitive function in patients with cancer

Participants were randomized to 10 weeks of medical qigong or usual care. Self-reports of cognitive functioning were evaluated at baseline and at the conclusion of the 10-week intervention. The medical qigong program was a weekly 90-minute group class that included a 15-minute discussion of health, 30 minutes of gentle stretching and body movement in a standing position, 15 minutes of movement in a sitting position, and 30 minutes of meditation and breathing. Two sessions were offered each week; participants could attend one or both of the sessions but had to attend for a minimum of 7 of the 10 weeks. Participants also kept a diary.

• The total number of participants randomized was 81. Fifty-four completed the study, resulting in a 33% drop out rate.
• Participants' mean age was 62 years (SD = 12 years), with a range of 34–86 years.
• The sample was 50% male and 50% female.
• N = 25, colorectal 12%, lung, prostate, gastric, other   
• Forty-two participants received adjuvant treatment, and 36 were receiving metastatic treatment.
• Forty-eight participants completed chemotherapy, and 28 were receiving chemotherapy at the time of the study.
• On average, participants had completed 16.4 years of education (SD = 2.1).
   

• Mutli-site
• Outpatient setting
• University hospitals in Sydney, Australia
   

• Patients were currently undergoing treatment or had completed treatment.
• The clinical applications are for late effects and survivorship.
   

The study was a stratified, randomized controlled trial of a subset of patients from a larger study.

• European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ)–c30, CF version 3 (two items on the cognitive subscale)
• Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog)
   

Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in perceived cognitive functioning on both the EORTC QLQ-C30  (p = 0.014) and FACT-Cog  (p = 0.029) compared to the control group (usual care) over time at 10 weeks' follow-up.

Results suggest that medical qigong may improve patients' perception of their cognitive functioning. However, further studies are needed with a larger sample size, objective measures, and longer follow-up to determine whether results are sustainable.

• The sample size was less than 100.
• The 33% drop-out rate was significant.
• Cognitive functioning was self-reported and was not the primary endpoint.
• Attentional control was not used.
• The study was not blinded and therefore had an associated risk of bias.
   

The study suggests that qigong may be beneficial in improving cognitive function in patients with cancer. However, the drop-out rate was significant at 33%. Drop outs occurred for multiple reasons, but it shows that qigong may not be a realistic intervention for some patients with cnacer. Further studies on the specific impacts qigong has on cognitive ability need to be conducted.