Yeh, M.L., & Chung, Y.C. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of qigong on fatigue and sleep quality for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 23, 81–86. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To evaluate a method of Chan-Chuang qigong to manage fatigue and sleep disturbance in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Participants randomly assigned to the intervention group received qigong guidance booklets that introduced qigong and provided illustrations of qigong procedures and precautions, as well as daily monitoring guidelines. Study participants were individually trained by qigong practitioners who followed a set study protocol. Initial training of study participants was completed during their two-day hospital stay for first cycle of treatment. The study nurse observed the participant’s qigong practice until his or her form/movement was satisfactory. After discharging patients, the study nurse called them weekly to confirm they were practicing qigong at home. The study recommended two to three (but no more than five) sessions a day of qigoing practice equally spaced in time. This study followed participants for three weeks (21 days).

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 102   
  • AGE = 59.8 years (16.5)
  • MALES: 56%, FEMALES: 44%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Setting

  • SITE: Single site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Multiple settings; inpatient initially, then outpatient
  • LOCATION: Northern Taiwan

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

This was a randomized, controlled trial with a two-group design (intervention and control). No blinding was used in this study.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Fatigue intensity (two questions on an 11-point scale)
  • Verran and Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale

Results

Participants assigned to the intervention (qigong) group reported significantly lower levels of fatigue and improved sleep quality compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Participants reported a near 100% adherence to intervention and completed on average two sessions for a mean time of 47 minutes total.  No adverse effects were reported from this intervention.

Conclusions

Physical activity interventions, such as qigong, are able to be introduced to individuals who are undergoing new treatment for a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Participants were highly adherent to the intervention that was prescribed. Introducing physical activity regimens, such as qigong, has the potential to improve common symptoms like fatigue in individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Limitations

  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Key sample group differences that could influence results

 

Nursing Implications

No side effects were reported by the intervention group. The results suggested that qigong may mitigate fatigue and sleep disturbance. However, the high adherence rate may be related to culture belief.