Difficult Diseases – The Longevity Center

Effects of Center-Based Delivery of Tai Chi and Qi Gong Group Classes on Self-Reported Symptoms in Cancer Patients and Caregivers

We consider TC (Tai Chi)/QG(Qi Gong) an important part of our integrative oncology group program at MD Anderson. The classes contribute to the biopsychosocial approach to cancer care, and our results show clinically significant positive short-term outcomes. Our study findings build on the literature demonstrating the importance of mind-body interventions for whole-person, patient-centered cancer care.

Feasibility, Utility, and Symptom Impact of Modified Mindfulness Training in Sarcoidosis

This study is the first to show that a modified 45-min mindfulness training workshop had immediately measurable benefit and was perceived as a feasible, acceptable and beneficial introduction to routine daily life by people living with sarcoidosis and their caregivers.

Children and Adults Tai Chi Study (CF-CATS2): a Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study Comparing Internet-Delivered with Face-to-Face Tai Chi Lessons in Cystic Fibrosis

This study has shown that it is feasible to follow complex instructions over the internet, in this instance using Tai Chi as the model. It can be successfully taught over the internet with no safety or tolerability issues when compared with Tai Chi taught face-to-face.

Qigong Improves Quality of Life in Women Undergoing Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized clinical trial found that Qigong may lead to reductions in depressive symptoms over time and may be especially useful for women reporting high symptoms of depression at baseline.

Levels of Fatigue and Distress in Senior Prostate Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong

This 12-week Qigong intervention was feasible and potentially efficacious in improving senior prostate cancer survivors’ levels of fatigue and distress levels.

Blood Pressure, Salivary Cortisol, and Inflammatory Cytokine Outcomes in Senior Female Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a Tai Chi Chih Randomized Controlled Trial

This Tai Chi Chih (TCC) feasibility trial was associated with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cortisol area-under-curve (AUC) in senior female cancer survivors. Larger, definitive trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Tai Chi, Cellular Inflammation, and Transcriptome Dynamics in Breast Cancer Survivors with Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Among breast cancer survivors with insomnia, 3 months of TCC reduced cellular inflammatory responses, and reduced expression of genes encoding proinflammatory mediators.

The Effect of Group Aerobic Exercise and T’ai Chi on Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life for Persons Living with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

This study shows that TC and EX improve physiologic parameters, functional outcomes, and QOL. Group intervention provides a socialization context for management of chronic HIV disease.

Mitigating Cellular Inflammation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi Chih

Tai Chi Chih (TCC) can be considered a useful behavioral intervention to reduce circulating levels of IL-6 in older adults who show elevated levels of this inflammatory marker and are at risk for inflammation-related morbidity.