EFFECT OF A 16-SESSION QIGONG PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOMA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

EFFECT OF A 16-SESSION QIGONG PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOMA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

The aim of the present study was to investigate in lymphoma patients the effects of a 16-session qigong programme (2 times a week) on physical and psychological parameters.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted (control group = 19; intervention = 20). Initially 50 patients enrolled in this study but only 39 finalized the program. 52% male and 48% female with a mean (SD) age of 44.49 (10.60) years. People who have had previous experiencie in mind body practices were excluded. All the patientes received information about the study and informed consent was obtained from all participants. This study was approved by the CEI-GR (C-9) ethics committee and followed the principies of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and older; lymphoma histology graded I to IIIA.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment that modifies the vegetative nervous system activity; people that have previous experience in mind body practices.