December 27, 2022 - Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and fear of recurrence (FOR) are frequently experienced by cancer patients. A study published by Support Care Cancer aimed to improve cancer survivors' CRF, FOR, quality of life (QOL), and heart rate variability (HRV) through Qigong and mindfulness interventions.
A quasi-experimental design was adopted, and 125 cancer survivors were recruited using snowball sampling. The participants were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (Qigong, mindfulness, and control) based on their needs and preferences. All groups received 4 hours of nutrition education at the pretest. CRF, FOR, and QOL questionnaires and HRV parameters were used as the measurement tools. Data were collected at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up.
Qigong had a better effect on improving CRF and FOR in the long term, while mindfulness improved QOL better in the long term. Both Qigong and mindfulness had a short-term effect in improving SDNN and TP, but the improvement in LF was better in the long term.
Heart rate variability evaluation showed that Qigong and the mindfulness interventions had short-term effects in significantly improving overall physical and mental health, self-emotional regulation, and QOL and relieving fatigue and autonomic dysfunction. HRV may serve as an observational indicator of interventions to improve physical and mental health. The consistent practice of mind-body interventions is the primary means of optimizing overall health and well-being.
