PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Aug 5 ;8(8). Epub 2019 Aug 5. PMID: 31387266

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Effects of Purified Flavonol Glycosides and Aglycones in Green Tea.

Abstract: 

(1) Background: Extensive research has focused on flavan-3-ols, but information about the bioactivities of green tea flavonols is limited. (2) Methods: In this study, we investigated the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects of flavonol glycosides and aglycones from green tea using in vitro cell models. The fractions rich in flavonol glycoside (FLG) and flavonol aglycone (FLA) were obtained from green tea extract after treatment with tannase and cellulase, respectively. (3) Results: FLG and FLA contained 16 and 13 derivatives, respectively, including apigenin, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin, determined by mass spectrometry. FLA exhibited higher radical-scavenging activity than that of FLG. FLG and FLA attenuated the levels of intracellular oxidative stress in neuron-like PC-12 cells. The treatment of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages with FLG and FLA significantly reduced the mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, FLG and FLA treatments decreased the viability of the colon adenoma cell line DLD-1 and breast cancer cell line E0771. Moreover, the treatment with FLG or FLA combined with paclitaxel had synergistic anticancer effects on the DLD-1 cell line. (4) Conclusions: Flavonols from green tea exerted beneficial effects on health and may be superior to flavan-3-ols.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:9359807. Epub 2019 Feb 13. PMID: 30894878

Abstract Title: 

The Effect of Mind-Body Therapies on Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: 

Background/Purpose: Sleep plays an important role in individuals' health. The functions of the brain, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and the metabolic system are closely associated with sleep. As a prevalent sleep disorder, insomnia has been closely concerned, and it is necessary to find effective therapies. In recent years, a growing body of studies has shown that mind-body therapies (MBTs) can improve sleep quality and ameliorate insomnia severity. However, a comprehensive and overall systematic review has not been conducted. In order to examine the effect of MBTs on insomnia, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of MBTs on sleep quality in healthy adults and clinical populations.Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and review of references were searched up to July 2018. English language studies of all designs evaluating the effect of MBTs on sleep outcomes in adults with or without diseases were examined. To calculate the SMDs and 95% CIs, we used a fixed effect model when heterogeneity was negligible and a random effect model when heterogeneity was significant.Results: 49 studies covering 4506 participants published between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Interventions included meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga which lasted 4 to 24 weeks. The MBTs resulted in statistically significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction on insomnia severity but no significant effects on sleep quantity indices, which were measured by sleep diary or objective measures. We analyzed the effects of tai chi and qigong separately as two different MBTs for the first time and found that qigong had a slight advantage over tai chi in the improvement of sleep quality. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of MBTs on sleep quality in healthy individuals was larger than clinical populations. The effect of MBTs might be influenced by the intervention duration but not the frequency.Conclusions: MBTs can be effective in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality for healthy individuals and clinical patients. More high-quality and well-controlled RCTs are needed to make a better conclusion in further study.

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PMID: 

Curr Oncol Rep. 2019 Apr 6 ;21(6):48. Epub 2019 Apr 6. PMID: 30955106

Abstract Title: 

Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Qigong and Tai Chi are two increasingly popular mind-body interventions with the potential to address the multifaceted needs of cancer survivors. The aim of this updated review and meta-analysis was to quantitatively evaluate the treatment effects of Qigong/Tai Chi on cancer survivors since 2014.RECENT FINDINGS: There were statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects in favor of Qigong/Tai Chi interventions for symptoms of fatigue and sleep quality. There were positive trends, but not statistically significant effects, observed for anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and overall quality of life (QOL). Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a common complaint among cancer survivors that has received increasing attention in this area in recent years. Qigong/Tai Chi in cancer care shows great promise with short-term effects in treating many cancer-related symptoms. Further methodologically sound trials with longer follow-up periods and more active control conditions are required, before definitive conclusions can be recommended for cancer patients.

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PMID: 

Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jan ;25(1):20-26. PMID: 30982783

Abstract Title: 

Breath Qigong Improves Recognition in Seniors With Vascular Cognitive Impairment.

Abstract: 

Context: Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) or vascular dementia is widely considered to be the second-most-common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 20% of cases. Little is known about the effectiveness of breath qigong for seniors suffering from VCI or dementia.Objectives: For seniors with VCI, the study aimed to compare the benefits of qigong practice, cognitive training, and qigong practice + cognitive training in improving cognitive function, memory, executive function, and daily problem-solving ability.Design: The study was a randomized, controlled pilot study that used a prospective design with repeated measures.Setting: The study took place at the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Tianjin, China).Participants: Participants were 93 patients with VCI at a clinic at the hospital.Intervention: The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) qigong practice, an intervention group; (2) cognitive training, a positive control group; or (3) a combination of qigong practice and cognitive training, an intervention group. Participants received the treatments for 3 mo.Outcome Measures: All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline and postintervention. The measures included (1) the Montreal cognitive assessment, (2) the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment, and (3) the Barthel activities of daily living index.Results: All 3 groups showed significant improvements in general cognitive function, memory, executive function, and daily problem-solving ability (P

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PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 04 18 ;16(8). Epub 2019 Apr 18. PMID: 31003412

Abstract Title: 

Wuqinxi Qigong as an Alternative Exercise for Improving Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract: 

The improvement of living standards has led to increases in the prevalence of hypokinetic diseases. In particular, multifactorial complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, are becoming more prevalent. Currently, developing effective methods to combat or prevent metabolic syndrome is of critical public health importance. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effects of Wuqinxi exercise on reducing risk factors related to metabolic syndrome.Both English- and Chinese-language databases were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of Wuqinxi on these outcomes. Meanwhile, we extracted usable data for computing pooled effect size estimates, along with the random-effects model.The synthesized results showed positive effects of Wuqinxi exercise on systolic blood pressure (SBP,= 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.85,

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PMID: 

J Integr Med. 2019 Jul ;17(4):250-260. Epub 2019 Apr 19. PMID: 31053555

Abstract Title: 

Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects all races, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. With a high incidence ratio of one in every 68, it has become one of the most discussed psychiatric disorders. For this reason, the need for investigating novel treatments has been emerging. Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body technique, has already proven to be able to reduce symptoms of several physical and psychological illnesses.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Qigong on children suffering from autism spectrum disorders.SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic literature search of the electronic scientific databases PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, BioMed Central, PubMed Central and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies of Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder.INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review included randomized controlled trials, replication studies, retrospective studies and observational follow-up studies of Qigong on children with autism spectrum disorder. Case reports and case series were excluded.DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Two researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality of all included studies. Any discrepancies were solved by discussion until consensus was achieved.RESULTS: Our literature search identified 157 publications, and 10 additional publications from hand search of references. After duplicate removal, 103 records remained. After the title/abstract screening, 19 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation, 10 studies were included. Seven studies were conducted with small children with 2-6 years old employing Qigong massage, and three studies were conducted with older children aged 7-17 years old applying both Qigong massage (one study) and Neigong (two studies).CONCLUSION: Studies demonstrated that Qigong has interesting and promising applicability and effect on children with autism spectrum disorder and should be tested further. Despite the need for more rigorous controlled studies, Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioural, and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness as well as healthy-physical behaviour. Besides positive effect on children and adolescents, benefits seem to extend to parents and caregivers as well. However, quality of methodology seems to be insufficient to state that Qigong is an alternative to common behavioural therapies. We suggest that, until more investigation is performed, Qigong may only be used as a complement, or when behavioural therapies are not accessible.

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PMID: 

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 May ;98(22):e15776. PMID: 31145299

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Qigong on self-rating depression and anxiety scale scores of COPD patients: A meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Qigong in reducing the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).METHODS: We searched CNKI, Wan fang, Chongqing VIP, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for studies published as of Dec 31, 2018. All randomized controlled trials of Qigong in COPD patients, which met the inclusion criteria were included. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used for literature evaluation. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.RESULTS: Six studies (combined n = 415 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with conventional therapy alone, Qigong in combination with conventional therapy significantly improved the following outcome measures: SDS score [mean difference (MD) -3.99, 95% CI (-6.17, -1.82), P 

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PMID: 

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2019 Jun 23:1474515119860232. Epub 2019 Jun 23. PMID: 31232097

Abstract Title: 

Mind-body interactive qigong improves physical and mental aspects of quality of life in inpatients with stroke: A randomized control study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Stroke, a medical condition that causes physical disability and mental health problems, impacts negatively on quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation is critical to restoring quality of life in these patients.OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a mind-body interactive qigong intervention on the physical and mental aspects of quality of life, considering bio-physiological and mental covariates in subacute stroke inpatients.METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design was used. A total of 68 participants were recruited from the medical and rehabilitation wards at a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan and then randomly assigned either to the Chan-Chuang qigong group, which received standard care plus a 10-day mind-body interactive exercise program, or to the control group, which received standard care only. Data were collected using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-12, stroke-related neurologic deficit, muscular strength, heart rate variability and fatigue at three time points: pre-intervention, halfway through the intervention (day 5) and on the final day of the intervention (day 10).RESULTS: The results of the mixed-effect model analysis showed that the qigong group had a significantly higher quality of life score at day 10 (0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the potential benefits of a 10-day mind-body interactive exercise (Chan-Chuang qigong) program for subacute stroke inpatients and provides information that may be useful in planning adjunctive rehabilitative care for stroke inpatients.

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PMID: 

Oncol Res Treat. 2019 Jul 2:1-7. Epub 2019 Jul 2. PMID: 31266043

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most troubling symptoms of cancer patients during chemotherapy, and no gold standard for the treatment of CRF has been established.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of the Baduanjin qigong on patients with colorectal cancer and CRF, and to explore its intervention effects.METHODS: This was an open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Ninety patients with chemotherapy-treated colorectal cancer and CRF were randomized to a Baduanjin exercise group or a routine care group. The primary outcome was the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) score at 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes were the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores at 24 weeks.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in CRF level at baseline and 12 weeks. At 24 weeks, the proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe CRF was significantly smaller in the exercise group than in the control group (23.2 vs. 59.1%, p

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PMID: 

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Aug ;36:113-119. Epub 2018 Dec 15. PMID: 31383427

Abstract Title: 

A 12-week Baduanjin Qigong exercise improves symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Therapeutic exercises are considered effective treatments for ankylosing spondylitis(AS). Current study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of Baduanjin qigong, a traditional Chinese exercise, for treatment of AS in a pilot RCT setting.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned, at a 1:1 ratio, to receive a 12-week Baduanjin qigong training(exercise group) or maintain their current lifestyle(no-treatment group). As primary outcomes, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index(BASDAI) and other AS symptoms were assessed at baseline and end of treatment period.RESULTS: A total of 46 patients completed the study. At the end of treatment period, although total BASDAI scores were not statistically different, reduced scores were observed in the exercise group, compared to no-treatment group, with respect to fatigue(P = 0.03), intensity(P = 0.04) and duration(P = 0.01) of morning stiffness; exercise group also exhibited higher patient global assessment scores(P = 0.04).CONCLUSION: Baduanjin qigong exercise appeared to improve AS symptoms.

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