Study protocol for a revised randomized trial: Remotely delivered Tai Chi and wellness for Gulf War illness


Author: Barbara L Niles1, Stephanie Grossman2, Maria McQuade2, Dan Grossman2, Anica Pless Kaiser2, Brian Muccio3, Ben Warner4, Chenchen Wang5, DeAnna L Mori6

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America. Electronic address: Barbara.Niles@va.gov.

<sup>2</sup> National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.

<sup>3</sup> Body Movement Solutions.

<sup>4</sup> Yang Martial Arts Association Boston.

<sup>5</sup> Center for Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.

<sup>6</sup> VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.
Conference/Journal: Contemp Clin Trials
Date published: 2022 Dec 6
Other:
  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.107045.   ,  Word Count: 248  
    Background:

Many of the 700,000 American military personnel deployed to the Persian Gulf region in 1990 and 1991 have since reported health symptoms of unknown etiology. This cluster of symptoms has been labeled Gulf War Illness and include chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, headaches, memory and attention difficulties, gastrointestinal complaints, skin abnormalities, breathing problems, and mood and sleep problems [1,2]. There have been few high-quality intervention trials and no strong evidence to support available treatments [3]. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art with benefits that include enhancing physical and mental health and improving quality of life for those with chronic conditions.



Proposed methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, GW Veterans are randomly assigned to either Tai Chi or a Wellness control condition, with both remotely delivered intervention groups meeting twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary aim is to examine if Tai Chi is associated with greater improvements in GWI symptoms in Veterans with GWI compared to a Wellness intervention. Participants will receive assessments at baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and follow-up assessments 3- and 9-months post-intervention. The primary outcome measure is the Brief Pain Inventory that examines pain intensity and pain interference.



Conclusion:

This trial will produce valuable results that can have a meaningful impact on healthcare practices for GWI. If proven as a helpful treatment for individuals with GWI, it would support the implementation of remotely delivered Tai Chi classes that Veterans can access from their own homes.



Keywords: Complementary; Gulf war illness; Integrative; Tai chi; Veteran; Wellness.



PMID: 36494045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.107045