Effects of the prolong life with nine turn method (Yan Nian Jiu Zhuan) Qigong on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue, which often leads to physical and psychological damage. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered to be one of the most effective treatments. Prolong life with nine turn method (PLWNT) Qigong is a combination of complex two-way traffic path connecting the cognitive center and the enteric nerves. In this study protocol, we will explore the effectiveness of PLWNT for physical and mental fatigue, gastrointestinal function, depression, and sleep quality in patients with CFS using clinical effectiveness scales and functional magnetic imaging (fMRI).

Methods:
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) consisting of 90 patients will be divided into a CBT and PLWNT group. Both of the groups will include a supervised intervention at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week, and the remaining six days will be completed at home over 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome variable will be the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI20). Secondary outcomes will evaluate the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and brain activation will be explored using fMRI.

Results:
This will be the first randomized controlled clinical trial to introduce the PLWNT method for the treatment of CFS. If these results demonstrate that CBT or PLWNT interventions are effective, they will provide a quality treatment plan for patients with chronic fatigue and optimize their guidance.

Trial registration:
Clinical Trials Registry, NCT03496961, Registered on April 12, 2018.

Keywords: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); Prolong life with nine turn method; cognitive behavioral therapy; trial.

PMID: 32787361 DOI: 10.21037/apm-19-461