Key Components of Qigong for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey of Clinicians, Researchers, and Instructors
Author: Lita P Buttolph1, Jamie Villanueva2, Natasha Parman2, Lindsey Wooliscroft3,4, Gloria Y Yeh5,6, Ryan Bradley1,7, Heather Zwickey1
Affiliation:
1 Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
2 School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
3 Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
4 MS Center of Excellence, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA.
5 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
6 Division of General Medicine, Beth Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
7 Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Conference/Journal: Glob Adv Integr Med Health
Date published: 2024 Aug 31
Other:
Volume ID: 13 , Pages: 27536130241280721 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/27536130241280721. , Word Count: 294
Background:
Preliminary evidence suggests that Qigong (QG), a mind-body therapy, may help address symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the heterogeneity of QG content and delivery may affect its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
Objective:
To survey researchers, clinicians, and QG instructors with experience working with people with MS to identify key components of MS-specific QG guidelines and protocols.
Methods:
We conducted an online survey to identify QG forms and movements considered helpful for MS, reasons for selection, characteristics of effective learning environments, and recommended dosage and frequency of practice. Quantitative data were analyzed using summary statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
Forty-seven experts, including QG instructors, clinicians, and QG and MS researchers, completed the survey. Respondents had a mean (SD) of 20 (11) years of QG teaching experience, 26 (12) years of clinical practice, 24 (9) years of QG research experience, 13 (5) years of MS research experience, and worked with at least 3 (2) people with MS. Approximately 125 QG forms/movements were recommended. Some forms were specifically recommended to address MS symptoms (e.g., emotional regulation, balance and coordination, muscle strength and flexibility, immune regulation, and circulation). Some respondents felt that any QG form could be beneficial if basic principles were met (e.g., intentional movement, posture, focused awareness, rhythmic breathing/movement, and a relaxed mind and body). Instructor qualities included the ability to convey information clearly, being caring and compassionate, proficient in QG, and having basic knowledge of MS. To promote confidence in learning QG, recommendations included having simple, easy-to-learn movements with modifications based on physical ability. We provide a sample protocol based on these recommendations.
Conclusions:
This study provides expert guidance for developing a QG protocol for an MS population, including content and delivery recommendations.
Keywords: multiple sclerosis (MS); qigong; survey; tai chi.
PMID: 39224562 PMCID: PMC11367588 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241280721
BACK
