Medicines (Jan 2019)

Effects of Qigong Exercise on Non-Motor Symptoms and Inflammatory Status in Parkinson’s Disease: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

  • Sanghee Moon,
  • Caio V. M. Sarmento,
  • Irina V. Smirnova,
  • Yvonne Colgrove,
  • Kelly E. Lyons,
  • Sue M. Lai,
  • Wen Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6010013
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
p. 13

Abstract

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Background: Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) impact quality of life. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with PD have been reported, which may contribute to non-motor symptoms. A mind-body exercise, Qigong, has demonstrated benefits across different medical conditions. However, a lack of evidence causes clinicians and patients to be uncertain about the effects of Qigong in individuals with PD. This study will examine the effects of Qigong on non-motor symptoms and inflammatory status in individuals with PD. Methods: Sixty individuals with PD will be recruited. Qigong and sham Qigong group (n = 30 for each) will receive a 12-week intervention. Participants will practice their assigned exercise at home (2×/day) and attend routinely group exercise meetings. Results: Clinical questionnaires and neuropsychological tests will measure non-motor symptoms including sleep quality (primary outcome). Biomarker assays will measure inflammatory status. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be utilized. Conclusions: This study may generate evidence for the benefits of Qigong on non-motor symptoms of PD and the effect on inflammatory status. Findings may lead to the development of a novel, safe, and cost-effective rehabilitation approach for individuals with PD.

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