Mind-Body Interventions for Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain in Persons with Amputation.

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 Jan 26;

Authors: Moura VL, Faurot KR, Gaylord SA, Mann JD, Sill M, Lynch C, Lee MY

Abstract
ABSTRACT: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a significant source of chronic pain in most persons with amputation at some time in their clinical course. Pharmacologic therapies for this condition are often only moderately effective and may produce unwanted adverse effects. There is growing empirical evidence of the therapeutic effectiveness of mind-body therapies for the relief of chronic pain; therefore, an exploration of their role in relieving amputation-related chronic pain is warranted. We undertook a focused literature review on mind-body interventions for patients with amputation who experience PLP. Because of study heterogeneity, only descriptive presentations of the studies are presented. Only studies of hypnosis, imagery, and biofeedback, including visual mirror feedback, were found; studies on meditation, yoga, and tai chi/qigong were missing from the literature. Few studies of specific mind-body therapies were dedicated to management of PLP, with the exception of mirror visual therapy. Overall, studies were largely exploratory and reflect considerable variability in the application of mind-body techniques, making definitive conclusions inadvisable. Nevertheless, the weight of existing findings indicates that a mind-body approach to PLP pain management is promising and that specific methods may offer either temporary or long-term relief, either alone or in combination with conventional therapies. The authors discuss the potential for usefulness of specific mind-body therapies and the relevance of their mechanisms of action to those of PLP, including targeting cortical reorganization, autonomic nervous system deregulation, stress management, coping ability, and quality-of-life. The authors recommend more and better quality research exploring the efficacy and mechanisms of action.

PMID: 22286895 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The NQA annual conference for 2012 will be held in Vancouver, WA at the Vancouver Hilton Hotel the weekend of July 27 – 29, 2012.  To register for the Conference online and pay with a credit card, please print and complete the form below.  EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ends April 21, 2012, so register early.

If you wish to arrange a payment plan or have questions, please call the office at 888-815-1893.

Lodging reservations may be made by calling the Hilton directly at 360-993-4500 and ask for the NQA contracted group rate.  Or you may go online at www.vancouverwashington.hilton.com.  If reserving online, you must enter the group code NQA in the “group Code” section of the online reservation form in order to obtain the contracted group rate.

Reduced functional connectivity between cortical sources in five meditation traditions detected with lagged coherence using EEG tomography.

Neuroimage. 2012 Jan 12;

Authors: Lehmann D, Faber PL, Tei S, Pascual-Marqui RD, Milz P, Kochi K

Abstract
Brain functional states are established by functional connectivities between brain regions. In experienced meditators (13 Tibetan Buddhists, 15 QiGong, 14 Sahaja Yoga, 14 Ananda Marga Yoga, 15 Zen), 19-channel EEG was recorded before, during and after that meditation exercise which their respective tradition regards as route to the most desirable meditative state. The head surface EEG data were recomputed (sLORETA) into 19 cortical regional source model time series. All 171 functional connectivities between regions were computed as ‘lagged coherence’ for the eight EEG frequency bands (delta through gamma). This analysis removes ambiguities of localization, volume conduction-induced inflation of coherence, and reference-dependence. All significant differences (corrected for multiple testing) between meditation compared to no-task rest before and after meditation showed lower coherence during meditation, in all five traditions and eight (inhibitory as well as excitatory) frequency bands. Conventional coherence between the original head surface EEG time series very predominantly also showed reduced coherence during meditation. The topography of the functional connectivities was examined via PCA-based computation of principal connectivities. When going into and out of meditation, significantly different connectivities revealed clearly different topographies in the delta frequency band and minor differences in the beta-2 band. The globally reduced functional interdependence between brain regions in meditation suggests that interaction between the self process functions is minimized, and that constraints on the self process by other processes are minimized, thereby leading to the subjective experience of non-involvement, detachment and letting go, as well as of all-oneness and dissolution of ego borders during meditation.

PMID: 22266174 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A systematic review of the effectiveness of qigong exercise in supportive cancer care.

Support Care Cancer. 2012 Jan 19;

Authors: Chan CL, Wang CW, Ho RT, Ng SM, Chan JS, Ziea ET, Wong VC

Abstract
PURPOSE: Qigong as a complementary and alternative modality of traditional Chinese medicine is often used by cancer patients to manage their symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of qigong exercise in cancer care. METHODS: Thirteen databases were searched from their inceptions through November 2010. All controlled clinical trials of qigong exercise among cancer patients were included. The strength of the evidence was evaluated for all included studies using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was also evaluated using the Jadad Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies including eight RCTs and fifteen non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were identified. The effects of qigong on physical and psychosocial outcomes were examined in 14 studies and the effects on biomedical outcomes were examined in 15 studies. For physical and psychosocial outcomes, it is difficult to draw a conclusion due to heterogeneity of outcome measures and variability of the results in the included studies. Among reviewed studies on biomedical outcomes, a consistent tendency appears to emerge which suggests that the patients treated with qigong exercise in combination with conventional methods had significant improvement in immune function than the patients treated with conventional methods alone. CONCLUSIONS: Due to high risk of bias and methodological problems in the majority of included studies, it is still too early to draw conclusive statements. Further vigorously designed large-scale RCTs with validated outcome measures are needed.

PMID: 22258414 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Review of tai chi as an effective exercise on falls prevention in elderly.

Res Sports Med. 2012 Jan;20(1):37-58

Authors: Schleicher MM, Wedam L, Wu G

Abstract
The risk of accidental falls and fall-related injuries increases with age. Regular physical exercises can delay the age-related changes affecting postural balance and reduce the risk of falls. Although Tai Chi (TC) has become a popular exercise among the elderly, does regular TC exercise lead to fewer falls and fall-related injuries? Who would receive the most benefit from TC exercise? What style of TC is best for fall risk reductions? What is the minimum amount of TC exercise needed before its positive effect is observed? How does the effect of TC exercise compare to other physical exercises? The goal of this study is to conduct a systematic review of recent literature on TC’s effectiveness for reducing fall risks in elders. A summary and analysis is provided for the following variables: targeted subject population, TC curriculum, comparative effect, and outcome measures.

PMID: 22242736 [PubMed - in process]

The Story of the Evolution of a Unique Tai Chi Form: Origins, Philosophy, and Research.

J Holist Nurs. 2012 Jan 6;

Authors: Robins JL, Elswick RK, McCain NL

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to introduce a unique tai chi form that has been successfully implemented in two large randomized clinical trials. The intervention is composed of a series of tai chi movements chosen for their particular meanings, thus adding a cognitive component to the practice of a moving meditation. Over the last decade, the intervention has continued to evolve as it has been used in different populations. Most recently, medical qigong has been integrated to strengthen its potential impact on a variety of biobehavioral measures associated with cardiometabolic risk in women. Following an appraisal of the authors’ process as well as the philosophy, practice, and research of tai chi and qigong, the authors share the story of their intervention to contribute to the evolving research of these safe, well-received, low-cost, and beneficial practices.

PMID: 22228833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Daisy Lee

Daisy Lee, one of the world’s most beloved and celebrated Qigong instructors, is holding four workshops in southwestern Connecticut, in Milford, Fairfield, and Greenwich. The workshops will occur in early February 2012. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn Qigong from one of NQA’s most endearing masters.

Daisy Lee is certified as a Level III Advanced Qigong Instructor and Clinical Practitioner by the National Qigong Association of America, as well as a US board member on the International Qigong Science Association in Beijing. She teaches internationally and brings life-transformative Qigong programs to the US, Canada, Europe, Costa Rica, Australia and Asia each year. Daisy wishes to inspire people from all walks of life to enjoy radiant health through the self-care practice of Qigong. Read more about Daisy at: www.radiantlotusqigong.com

MILFORD, CT
Organ Cleansing Qigong
Saturday, February 4
9-10:30 am
$25, $30 if paid at the door

FAIRFIELD, CT
Wuji Qigong
Saturday, February 4
6:00-9:00pm
$45 if paid by 1/15, $55 thereafter

Radiant Lotus
Women’s Qigong
Sunday, February 5
12:00-4:00pm
$65 if paid by 1/15, $75 thereafter

2 FAIRFIELD WORKSHOPS $95 IF PAID BY 1/15

This is a National Qigong Association
Eastern Regional Event.
For complete information visit:
www.Qi-and-Tea.com

Taiji practice attenuates psychobiological stress reactivity – A randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects.

Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2012 Jan 3;

Authors: Nedeljkovic M, Ausfeld-Hafter B, Streitberger K, Seiler R, Wirtz PH

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stress reducing effects of Taiji, a mindful and gentle form of body movement, have been reported in previous studies, but standardized and controlled experimental studies are scarce. The present study investigates the effect of regular Taiji practice on psychobiological stress response in healthy men and women. METHODS: 70 participants were randomly assigned to either Taiji classes or a waiting list. After 3months, 26 (8 men, 18 women) persons in the Taiji group and 23 (9 men, 14 women) in the waiting control group underwent a standardized psychosocial stress test combining public speaking and mental arithmetic in front of an audience. Salivary cortisol and α-amylase, heart rate, and psychological responses to psychosocial stress were compared between the study groups. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01122706.) RESULTS: Stress induced characteristic changes in all psychological and physiological measures. Compared to controls, Taiji participants exhibited a significantly lower stress reactivity of cortisol (p=.028) and heart rate (p=.028), as well as lower α-amylase levels (p=.049). They reported a lower increase in perceived stressfulness (p=.006) and maintained a higher level of calmness (p=.019) in response to psychosocial stress. CONCLUSION: Our results consistently suggest that practicing Taiji attenuates psychobiological stress reactivity in healthy subjects. This may underline the role of Taiji as a useful mind-body practice for stress prevention.

PMID: 22222120 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

How diverse was the leisure time physical activity of older Australians over the past decade?

J Sci Med Sport. 2011 Dec 22;

Authors: Dafna M, Carmen C, Kamalesh V, Adrian B

Abstract
Objectives: Public health recommendations for older adults highlight the need to engage in a combination of aerobic, muscle strength, flexibility and balance activities. This study characterised leisure time physical activity in older Australians (≥65 years), examining the diversity in reported activities. Design: Cross-sectional monitoring. Methods: The Exercise Recreation and Sport Surveys (2001-2009) were combined and analysed for 22,050 elderly. Results: Walking was reported by 45.6%, of those 53% engaged exclusively in walking. Prevalent sports (i.e., >1%) were bowls (9.4%), aerobics/callisthenics exercise (9.1%), golf (7.7%), swimming (6.4%), gym work (5.2%), cycling (3.2%), tennis (2.9%), dancing (2.1%), fishing (2.0%), tai chi (1.4%), weight lifting (1.2%) and yoga (1.1%). Significant gender differences were apparent. Over time, significant increases were reported in walking, aerobic/callisthenics and gym workout in both genders. In the previous year, 32.0% of older adults participated in “nil” activity, 40.6% engaged in one activity, 19.5% and 8.0% participated in two or three or more activities, respectively. Common combinations were walking with another aerobic activity. Only 2.6% reported a combination of aerobic, balance and strength activities. Multiple-activity participation increased over the years, but declined with increasing age, education and for the most disadvantaged, compared to single-activity participation. Partially or exclusively organised participation, combined, was reported by 42.5% of older adults. Women were more likely to combine mode of participation. Geographic region was associated with multiple-activity participation and organised-only participation. Conclusions: Most elderly people engage in one activity, if at all. An increase in participation in balance enhancing activities and weight training is warranted to maximize health benefits.

PMID: 22197582 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The effects of Tai Chi on the balance control of elderly persons with visual impairment: a randomised clinical trial.

Age Ageing. 2011 Dec 16;

Authors: Chen EW, Fu AS, Chan KM, Tsang WW

Abstract
Background: balance control is a major problem for older individuals with poor vision. There are limitations, however, for visually impaired elderly persons wishing to participate in exercise programmes. The benefits of Tai Chi for balance control, muscle strength and preventing falls have been demonstrated with sighted elderly subjects. This study was designed to extend those findings to elderly persons with visual impairment.Objective: to investigate the effects of Tai Chi on the balance control of elderly persons with visual impairment.Design: randomised clinical trial.Setting: residential care homes.Subjects: forty visually impaired persons aged 70 or over.Methods: the participants were randomly divided into Tai Chi and control groups and assessed pre- and post-intervention using three tests: (i) passive knee joint repositioning to test knee proprioception; (ii) concentric isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors and (iii) a sensory organisation test to quantify an individual’s ability to maintain balance in a variety of complex sensory conditions.Results: after intervention, the Tai Chi participants showed significant improvements in knee proprioception and in their visual and vestibular ratios compared with the control group.Conclusion: practicing Tai Chi can improve the balance control of visually impaired elderly persons.

PMID: 22180415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]