Efficacy of Baduanjin exercise for rehabilitation after COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Baduanjin exercise for rehabilitation after COVID-19. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be searched from establishment to Jan 2021: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-fang database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Databases, and other databases, All published randomized controlled trials about this topic will be included. Two independent researchers will operate article retrieval, duplication removing, screening, quality evaluation, and data analyses by Review Manager (V.5.3.5). Meta-analyses, subgroup analysis, and/or descriptive analysis will be performed based on the included data conditions. RESULTS: The results of this study will provide a combination of high-quality evidence for researchers in the current field of COVID-19 treatment and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide the evidence of whether Baduanjin is an effective and safe intervention for rehabilitation after COVID-19. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020181078.

The effect of health-care Qigong Baduanjin combined with auricular point sticking on athletes' pre-competition anxiety: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Competition anxiety is also known as pre-competition anxiety (PCA), because this anxiety state often occurs before the athletes face the competition. If it is not adjusted in time, which will greatly affect the performance of athletes, even the mental health and physical health of athletes. Therefore, the selection of appropriate methods to intervene the athletes, reducing the PCA of athletes, and it has an important effect on the competition performance of athletes. Therefore, based on the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine and sports psychology principles, this study adopts a way of systematic evaluation to study the effect of health-care Qigong Baduanjin (HCQB) combined with auricular point sticking (APS)in the treatment of athletes' PCA (APA), the purpose is to help the majority of athletes to eliminate the PCA. METHODS: Two searchers independently retrieve CNKI, WANFANG databases, VIP, CBM, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, The Cochran Library and other Chinese and English databases. It is supplemented by manual retrieval to comprehensively collect the relevant literature data of the clinical controlled study of HCQB combined with APS in the treatment of APA. The retrieval time is from January 1, 1990 to October 1, 2020, using the subject word and keywords to retrieve, developing a retrieval style according to the characteristics of the database. The two evaluators independently use the above-mentioned retrieval methods to retrieve the main literature database, summarizing and removing the duplicate literature, then reading the title and abstract of the literature separately, excluding the literature that clearly does not meet the inclusion criteria, and finally reading the literature, and finally including the literature in line with the study, in case of disagreement, with the third researcher to decide. The quality evaluation of the literature is independently evaluated using the bias risk assessment criteria for randomized controlled trials in Cochrane Manual 5.1.0. Using the RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This study will study the effect of HCQB combined with APS on reducing APA, and the results of the study will be published in high-impact academic journals. CONCLUSION: The quality of athletes' mental state is related to whether athletes can play their true level of sports in the competition, and good mental state is also the prerequisite to ensure that athletes get better results. The conclusions reached by this study will provide quantifiable reference for coaches and athletes, with the aim of providing theoretical basis for helping the athletes eliminate PCA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The type of this study belongs to the category of systematic evaluation, the data in this study are derived from published research papers and public data in the Internet, so ethical review is not suitable for this study. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2021 CRD42021228254.

Effects of fitness qigong and tai chi on middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Currently, qigong and tai chi exercises are the two most common preventive as well as therapeutic interventions for chronic metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the quantitative evaluation of these interventions is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of qigong and tai chi intervention in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. The study included 103 eligible participants, who were randomized to participate for 12 weeks, in one of the following intervention groups for the treatment of T2DM: fitness qigong, tai chi, and control group. Three biochemical measures, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and C-peptide (C-P) levels, assessed at baseline and 12 weeks, served as the primary outcome measures. During the training process, 16 of the 103 participants dropped out. After the 12-week intervention, there were significant influences on HbA1C (F2,83 = 4.88, p = 0.010) and C-P levels (F2,83 = 3.64, p = 0.031). Moreover, significant reduction in C-P levels was observed after 12-week tai chi practice (p = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the duration of T2DM and the relative changes in FPG levels after qigong intervention, and the relative changes in HbA1C levels were positively correlated with waist-to-height ratio after tai chi practice. Our study suggests that targeted qigong exercise might have a better interventional effect on patients with a longer duration of T2DM, while tai chi might be risky for people with central obesity. Trial registration: This trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number is ChiCTR180020069. The public title is "Health-care qigong · study for the prescription of chronic diabetes intervention."

The efficacy and safety of health qigong for anti-aging: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a phenomenon that human's physiology and psychology is progressive decline for natural environment. Health Qigong, as a convenient and effective exercise therapy,is widely used for anti-aging. However, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analysises to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Health Qigong on anti-aging. METHODS: We will systematically search for 7 English databases(PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and 4 Chinese databases(namely the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Wanfang Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database) from their inceptions to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Health Qigong to anti-aging will be included. After the selection and extraction of eligible studies, a meta-analysis will be undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of Health Qigong on anti-aging. Moreover, study selection, data extraction, and the evaluation of the methodological quality of trials will each be independently completed by at least 2 researchers. The Review Manager Software V.5.3 will be employed for meta-analysis to assess the risk of bias, data synthesis, and subgroup analysis. RESULTS: This review will provide the latest knowledge and evidence on the efficacy and safety of Health Qigong for anti-aging through the analysis of various evaluation scales. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this review will help clinicians provide effective exercise therapy for anti-aging. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202090017.

The efficacy of Qigong exercises for post-stroke mental disorders and sleep disorders: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke mental disorders (PSMDs) and post-stroke sleep disorders (PSSDs) are quite common condition in stroke's patients. Qigong has been widely applied as a replaced and useful treatment for PSMDs and PSSDs. However, the exact effects and safety of Qigong have yet be systematically investigated. Our study focused on summary of efficacy and safety of Qigong for the treatment of advanced PSMDs and PSSDs through the systematic analysis and meta-analysis, in order to provide scientific reference for the clinical. METHODS: The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Relevant randomized controlled trials were only considered. Search strategy will be performed in 4 English database including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpt Medical Database, 4 Chinese Database including Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Papers in English or Chinese published from their inception to 30 June 2020. Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 investigators. The clinical outcomes including overall Hamilton depression scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, the mental health part of the MOS item short from health survey, Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Based on the Cochrane Assessment tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, a modified assessment form should be used to evaluate the methodological quality. Review Manager 5.3 was used for data analysis and risk of bias. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We provide some more practical and targeted results examine the effect of Qigong exercises for PSMDs and PSSDs in the relative meta-analysis. We find out defects or inadequacies of Qigong in previous studies. The findings of this research will provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice and more rigorous study.International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) registration number: INPLASY202070051.

The effect of Qigong Wuqinxi for osteopenia and primary osteoporosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis (OP) and related fragility fractures are a significant public health problem which leads to pain, disability, loss function of independence, considerable complications and increased mortality. Exercise training is the only alternative strategy to improve multiple skeletal and fall risk factors simultaneously. Wuqinxi is 1 of the Chinese mind-body exercises using to improve physical and mental health and fight against diseases for thousands of years. Our study aims to systematically review the existing literature to further explore the efficacy and safety of Wuqinxi in the prevention and treatment of osteopenia and OP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following electronic databases (PubMed, Science Citation Index, Embase (Ovid) database, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the China Biology Medicine disc, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, the Wan fang Database, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Platform) will be searched from the beginning to 1 June 2020. Only randomized controlled trials will be enrolled, in which the intervention group must include a form of Wuqinxi, while the control group can involve other conventional treatment or no intervention. The potential outcome measures will include bone mineral density values, bone turnover markers, fragility fractures, quality of life, pain scores, and adverse events. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in each study. RESULTS: The current study is a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis without results, and data analysis will be carried out after the protocol. We will share our findings in the third quarter of 2021. CONCLUSION: This review aims to evaluate up-to-date evidence of Wuqinxi for bone health in English or Chinese language studies, and explore whether Wuqinxi can be used as an adjuvant treatment for osteoporosis and osteopenia. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required as the review is a secondary study based on published literature. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed publications and disseminated electronically or in print. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202040135.

Baduanjin exercise intervention for community adults at risk of ischamic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim of current study was to assess the effects of Baduanjin exercise on cerebrovascular function, cardiac structure and cardiac function, static pulmonary function, traditional risk factors of CVD and the related psychological outcomes in older community adults at risk for ischaemic stroke. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in three community between November 2013 and October 2015. Older community-dwelling adults (N = 170) were randomly allocated into either a Baduanjin training (5 × 60 min/weekly) or control group who kept their unaltered lifestyle during a 12-week intervention period. Primary (cerebral haemodynamic parameters) and secondary outcomes (cardiac structure, cardiac function, static pulmonary function, traditional risk factors and the related psychological outcomes) were measured at baseline, after a 12-week intervention period and after an additional 12-week follow-up period. After the 12-week intervention period and additional 12-week follow-up period, the Baduanjin exercise group displayed significant changes in most cerebral haemodynamic parameters compared to the control group: lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, plasma total cholesterol levels, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio; and improved mood, self-confidence, self-esteem, quality of life and sleep quality. A supervised 12-week Baduanjin exercise intervention was effective and safe in modulating cerebral haemodynamics, reducing blood pressure and improving anthropometric parameters and related psychological outcomes in older community adults at risk for ischaemic stroke.

Safety of Qigong: Protocol for an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Qigong, as one of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese exercises, has been used to improve physical and psychological health and combat diseases in China for thousands of years. In recent years, the beneficial effects of Qigong on different medical conditions are becoming more accepted by both patients and health care providers. Although it is a common impression that Qigong and related therapies are generally safe procedures, but the current understanding of its adverse events is fragmented. Thus, we conducted this overview to synthesize comprehensively existing systematic reviews on adverse events associated with Qigong and related therapies, and our findings can be used to informing clinicians, Qigong practitioner, and patients alike on applying such treatments or interventions in clinical treatment and daily life training mindful manner, and provide a guideline for researchers in future. METHODS: A systematic review of reviews will be performed. A literature search strategy designed by a number of specialists in the fields of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sports medicine, health information, and Qigong training will be carried out in relevant English and Chinese electronic database. The date range of search will start from inception to the search date. Two reviewers will identify relevant studies, extract data information, and then assess the methodical quality by Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Any types of systematic review that summarized adverse effects related to Qigong and related therapies in human will be included. Any safety-related outcomes will be considered as the primary outcomes of this overview. Where objectives from 2 or more reviews overlap, we will assess the causes of any noted discrepancies between reviews. An overall summary of results will be performed using tabular and graphical approaches and will be supplemented by narrative description. RESULTS: This overview will identify any adverse events associated with nonstandardized Qigong and related therapies procedures based on current relevant literature evidence of safety for Qigong. CONCLUSION: Our overview will provide evidence to help synthesize the broad degree of information available on furthering the knowledge, safety, and application of Qigong. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required, as this study is an overview based on the published systematic reviews. The result of this overview of systematic reviews will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at national and international conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42018109409.

The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on the psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: College students are special populations that are particularly prone to have significantly high level of psychological distress than their community peers. Apparently, the best way to manage stress and mental state is through self-care. The characteristic of Qigong is self-directed and self-healing, which is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, which has the potential as a stress management intervention. Imaginary Working Qigong, as a kind of static Qigong, is more perception-oriented and can bring about benign sensations of mind and body so as to eliminate stress completely and induce physiological and mental relaxation. In this study protocol, we will systematically examine the feasibility and acceptability of Imaginary Working Qigong on psychological outcomes of the college students and deeply explore molecular biological mechanisms underlying the effects of mind adjustment induced Imaginary Working Qigong. METHODS/DESIGNS: We will conduct a randomized, assessor and statistician-blinded, parallel-controlled trial exploring the beneficial mind adjustment of Imaginary Working Qigong in college students.A total of 80 eligible college students from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine will be recruited and randomly allocated into Imaginary Working Qigong training or unaltered lifestyle control group according 1:1 allocation ratio with allocation concealment. Imaginary Working Qigong training will last 8 weeks. The study period is 12 weeks including a 4-week supervised training, 4-week independence training, and a 4-week follow-up. Relevant psychological outcomes measurement will take place at baseline, 5 weeks (at the end of supervised training), 9 weeks (at the end of independence training), and 13 weeks (after the 4-week follow-up period) by blinded independent outcome assessors. CONCLUSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial protocol from the perspective of Qigong connotation to systematically evaluate the effects and relevant molecular mechanism of Imaginary Working Qigong for the mental health of a college student population. If our study demonstrates a significant intervention effect, this would provide preliminary higher-quality evidence and establish a further guidance for the application of Imaginary Working Qigong program among a college student population. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol and consent forms have been approved by the medical and animal experiment ethic committee of BUCM (approval number: BJZYYDX-LL2014005).

Eastern medicine approaches to male infertility.

Male factor is a common cause of infertility and the male partner must be systematically evaluated in the workup of every infertile couple. Various Eastern medical strategies have been tried with variable success. This article describes the clinical effects of Eastern medicine approaches including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong, which could improve the sperm parameters and motility, genital inflammatory conditions, as well as immune system disorders, sexual dysfunction, and varicocele. Acupuncture reduces inflammation, increases sperm motility, improves semen parameters, modulates the immune system, and improves sexual and ejaculatory dysfunction in male infertility. The clinical effects may be mediated via activation of somatic afferent nerves innervating the skin and muscle. Chinese herbal medicines may also exert helpful effects in male infertility, and it is worth noting that some herbal drugs may result in male infertility. Massage also exerts positive effects in male infertility. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of clinical effects are unclear. Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga have not been investigated in male infertility, but it has been reported to regulate endocrine and central or autonomic nervous systems. In conclusion, Eastern medical approaches have beneficial on reproductive effects in male infertility. However, future well-designed, randomized, clinical control trials are needed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of Eastern medical approaches for male infertility.