Efficacy and long-term effects of the intervention of Zhan Zhuang Qigong on Pisa syndrome in Parkinson's disease: the study protocol for a randomised control trial


Author: Linlin Zhang1, Yuxiao Chen2, Yuqi Zhang3, Xiaoming Xi4, Hongyan Bi5, Pujian Chen1, Fen Chen1, Cheng Wang1, Bin Huang6

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Nantong Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.

<sup>2</sup> Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.

<sup>3</sup> Nantong University College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.

<sup>4</sup> Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Beijing, Beijing, China.

<sup>5</sup> Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.

<sup>6</sup> Nantong Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China hbnantong@163.com.
Conference/Journal: BMJ Open
Date published: 2024 Nov 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 14   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: e084418   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084418.   ,  Word Count: 310  
    Introduction:

Pisa syndrome (PS) is a postural abnormality that frequently manifests in various neurological disorders. In recent years, the dangers associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and PS have been increasingly acknowledged, leading to heightened research efforts directed toward the treatment of PS. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of PS remain complex, and no clinically effective treatments have been established. While several studies have demonstrated the significant effects of Qigong in treating PD, there is currently no evidence to support the efficacy of Qigong in the treatment of PS.



Objective:

To assess the immediate and long-term effects of Zhan Zhuang Qigong on PS in participants with PD using a rigorous randomised, parallel-control design with assignment concealment and evaluator-blinding methodologies.



Methods:

60 PD participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups: conventional treatment (n=30) or Zhan Zhuang Qigong (n=30). The conventional treatment group will receive standard medications and physical therapy. The Zhan Zhuang Qigong group will receive conventional medicine plus 30 min of Zhan Zhuang Qigong practiced five times per week. The long-term effects of Qigong on PS will be evaluated after 6 months and 1 year of follow-up. Assessment tools will include the NeuroPostureApp, the B-PHY(A model of a balance testing system) balance check training system, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, which will measure total camptocormia, upper hump degree, Pisa angles, plantar pressure distribution, motor function and quality of life in participants with PD.



Ethics and dissemination:

The local ethics committee approved this study (approval number: 2023-K068). The committee will oversee the study throughout its duration and will be notified of any protocol modifications. The results of the study will be disseminated through publication in an international journal or presentation at a conference.



Trial registration number:

ChiCTR2400079696.



Keywords: Complementary Medicine; Parkinson-s disease; Rehabilitation medicine.



PMID: 39486822 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084418