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
Affiliations
Sanghee Moon
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center; 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Caio V. M. Sarmento
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center; 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Irina V. Smirnova
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center; 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Yvonne Colgrove
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center; 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Kelly E. Lyons
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2012, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Sue M. Lai
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 1008, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Wen Liu
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center; 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MailStop 2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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.