Online Tai Chi Intervention to Promote Smoking Cessation Among Cancer Survivors

A Tai Chi Intervention to Promote Smoking Cessation Among Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial evaluates an online Tai Chi intervention to promote smoking cessation among cancer survivors. Tai chi is a practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. It is a gentle form of exercise that can be done while sitting or standing and does not involve any medications or medical procedures. Tai chi originated as an ancient martial art in China. Over the years, it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation. The use of Tai Chi may be beneficial for cancer patients who want to quit smoking.

Aim 1: The primary objective of this study is to pilot an online Tai Chi intervention promoting smoking cessation among cancer survivors1.

Aim 2: Examine whether an online Tai Chi intervention reduces cigarette dependence among cancer survivors who are aged 21 and are interested in quitting smoking.

Aim 3: Test whether an online Tai Chi intervention increases quit attempts and cessation abstinence among cancer survivors who are aged 21 or older and are interested in quitting smoking.

OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I: Participants participate in an 8-week supervised online WaQi/Tai Chi program. Participants receive standard cessation treatment which includes receiving a document highlighting smoking cessation resources.

ARM II: Participants receive standard cessation treatment which includes receiving a document highlighting smoking cessation resources. Participants also receive an 8-week online Tai Chi self-administered teaching module subscription at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cancer survivor (i.e., have had a cancer diagnosis)
• Age 21 years and older
• English speaking/reading
• Report smoking tobacco in the past 30 days
• Report at least moderate interest in quitting smoking (>= 3 on a Likert type scale with 5 being very extremely interested)
• Can participate in Zoom calls for orientation and intervention
• Have access to a smartphone or tablet
• Willing to download a free application (app)
• Can commit to the 8-weeks intervention (WaQi program)
• Are not currently or have not regularly practiced Tai Chi in the last 6 months
• Willing to blow into a device (for carbon monoxide measurements)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-cancer survivors
• Patients under 21 years old
• Non-English speaking/reading
• Non-smokers in the past 30 days
• Report lower than moderate interest in quitting smoking (< 3 on a Likert type scale with 5 being very extremely interested)
• Cannot to participate Zoom calls for orientation and intervention
• No access to a smartphone or tablet
• Not willing to download a free app
• Cannot commit to the intervention
• Has practiced Tai Chi regularly in the last 6 months
• Not willing to blow into a device
• Eligible, but sampling quotas full