Recovering from a severe illness can take a toll on a person. For older men who have survived prostate cancer and undergone androgen deprivation therapy, lingering effects may include fatigue and associated quality-0f-life issues. A small pilot study in older prostate cancer survivors has found that practicing Qigong - a gentle body-mind practice that incorporates fluid movement, deep breathing and meditation - may be a helpful non-drug tool for relieving this fatigue.
Scientists at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducted the 12-week randomized controlled trial in 40 men with an average age of 72. All of the participants reported high levels of fatigue at the beginning of the study. One-half of the men engaged in Qigong classes, while the other half participated in a stretching class.
As outlined in the study (subscription required), published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, the researchers "found that the Qigong intervention was associated with significantly larger improvements in fatigue and distress than the stretching group." The findings, they noted, "are consistent with other Qigong [randomized controlled trials] for cancer survivors and depressed, chronically ill older adults."
Co-lead author Rebecca Campo, PhD, said in a release, "Qigong may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for the management of senior prostate cancer survivors' fatigue and distress." She added that larger trials and ones that include racially and ethnically diverse participants are needed to confirm the results of the initial trial.
Previously: NIH hosts Twitter chat on using mind and body practices for managing holiday stress and anxiety, Study shows practicing tai chi may increase brain volume in healthy older adults and Study examines the benefits of Tai Chi for the elderly
Photo by ASSOCIATED PRESS
