Posted on 01/19/2025 6:38:05 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Researchers conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of qigong on biopsychosocial outcomes in veterans with chronic low back pain. Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a traditional Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, controlled breathing and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's energy, often referred to as "qi" or "life force."
The research team designed a novel qigong program for this research specifically applicable to managing chronic low back pain in veterans. The purpose of the eight-week longitudinal study was to evaluate the effects of the qigong intervention.
Specifically, researchers assessed how the intervention impacted physical function, sleep disturbance, PTSD, depression, anxiety, positive affect, and social roles and activities.
Results of the study indicate that all pain-related outcomes (pain intensity, low back pain-related disability, and pain interference) decreased significantly in the qigong group compared to the control group. In addition to chronic pain, sleep disturbance was significantly improved in the qigong group compared to the control group.
The study also found a significant connection between biological factors, such as inflammation markers, and psychosocial outcomes. For instance, higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were strongly associated with poorer physical function. Similarly, the inflammatory marker IL-8 was linked to both pain-related disability and symptoms of PTSD.
Qigong is easy to learn, does not require specific sites or equipment, and can be practiced individually or collectively.
"Stretching, loosening, strengthening and balancing techniques of qigong may release back tension, ease pain and improve flexibility and alignment," said Krause-Parello.
"Qigong practice can strengthen the musculoskeletal system and improve joint flexibility, motor function and movement coordination. It can activate postural improvements and decrease pain. Importantly, it can improve physical conditions and psychosocial function such as depression and social isolation in veterans with chronic back pain."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
“Results of the study indicate that all pain-related outcomes (pain intensity, low back pain-related disability, and pain interference) decreased significantly in the qigong group compared to the control group. In addition to chronic pain, sleep disturbance was significantly improved in the qigong group compared to the control group.“
This is like tai chi, they say elsewhere in the article.
It would seem gentle stretching and core muscle strengthening can go a long way toward undoing back pain.
What’s the difference between this and Yoga?
Both desire the same things help movement, helps in meditation cleanness, and increase health. Yoga poses can feel like your a pretzel and is more about stretching and has a variety of types to choose from. Qigong focus on breathing and calmness while bonding movements that feel more natural to me standing. I have done both and will say I did not go deep into qigong as I should have but it is good at controlled movement calming and breathing. More folks get into yoga for it is really easy to find on the states and has better marketing penetration. Hard to find a qigong teacher in the US. My last one was twenty years ago. Usually you can find them paired with a tai-chi or kung fu dochang.
Huh. I wonder of it’s a little late for this almost 80 year old to start..
I’m looking into this- for sure.
Right shoulder blade just spasms.
The WLCG was significantly older than the Qigong group.
Were the WLCG members couch potatoes?
Wiki
The Schmidt Family Foundation is a private foundation created in 2006 by Eric Schmidt, the Executive Chairman of Google, and his wife Wendy Schmidt, to address issues pertaining to sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources.[2]
I would think as long as you still have some control of how you breathe and how you move it is never too late to try some of these techniques for better balance and range of motion. I have arthritis and back pain, but I am now looking for the right kind of Sensei (martial arts teacher) who offers private classes I can afford.
I am not very good in performing my Katas (lessons of movement), but I like trying anyway for the right kind of teacher. I also like that while practicing my Katas I am working my memory muscles too.
I told my mom that was a sign from God that she spanked me too much.
She came back to me three months later and said, "I am never going to stop doing pilates."
Ping back
Good ole Moms’ and Her Hai¾rbrush!
Ha!
Ping
I don’t understand the relevance of the Schmidt Family Foundation to this Florida State University study.
Did they underwrite it?
Florida Atlantic.
Yes, they paid for the “study”.
In a word, absolutely not. It's never too late.
(Full disclosure; I've been doing this for years, started late in life. It works!)
4 AM!
This is very useful and informative. Thanks again for doing this.
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