Effect of a qigong intervention program on telomerase activity and psychological stress in abused Chinese women: a randomized, wait-list controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Abused women, who suffer from chronic psychological stress, have been shown to have shorter telomeres than never abused women. Telomere shortening is associated with increased risk of cell death, and it is believed that adopting health-promoting behaviors can help to increase the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that counters telomere shortening. Qigong is an ancient Chinese mind-body integration, health-oriented practice designed to enhance the function of qi, an energy that sustains well-being. Therefore, an assessor-blind, randomized, wait-list controlled trial was developed to evaluate the effect of a qigong intervention on telomerase activity (primary objective) and proinflammatory cytokines, perceived stress, perceived coping, and depressive symptoms (secondary objectives) in abused Chinese women. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 240 Chinese women, aged >/= 18 years, who have been abused by an intimate partner within the past three years will be recruited from a community setting in Hong Kong and randomized to receive either a qigong intervention or wait-list control condition as follows: the qigong intervention will comprise (i) a 2-hour group qigong training session twice a week for 6 weeks, (ii) a 1-hour follow-up group qigong exercise session once a week for 4 months, and (iii) a 30-minute self-practice qigong exercise session once a day for 5.5 months. The wait-list control group will receive qigong training after the intervention group completes the program. Upon completion of the qigong intervention program, it is expected that abused Chinese women in the intervention group will have higher levels of telomerase activity and perceived coping and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms than will abused Chinese women in the wait-list control group. DISCUSSION: This study will provide information about the effect of qigong exercise on telomerase activity and chronic psychological stress in abused Chinese women. The findings will inform the design of interventions to relieve the effects of IPV-related psychological stress on health. Also, the concept that health-promoting behaviors could slow down cellular aging might even motivate abused women to change their lifestyles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT02060123. Registered February 6, 2014.published_or_final_versio

A randomized, wait-list controlled trial of a Qigong Intervention Program on Telomerase Activity and Psychological Stress in abused Chinese women

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a qigong intervention program on (primary objective) telomerase activity and (secondary objectives) pro-inflammation cytokines, perceived stress, perceived coping, and depressive symptoms in Chinese women with a history of intimate partner violence. HYPOTHESES TO BE TESTED: Abused Chinese women in the intervention group will have higher levels of telomerase activity and perceived coping, and lower levels of proinflammation cytokines, perceived stress, and depressive symtpoms, on completion of a qigong intervention program, compared to abused Chinese women in the wait-list …postprin

What is known from the published literature about yoga interventions delivered in community settings for older adults? A systematic scoping review

202309 bcchAccepted ManuscriptSelf-fundedEarly releas

Recovery beyond functional restoration : a systematic review of qualitative studies of the embodied experiences of people who have survived a stroke

202307 bcchVersion of RecordRGCOthersGeneral Research Fund of Shanghai Normal UniversityPublishe