Mindfulness Meditation and Qigong for Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Colorectal cancer imposes threats to patients' well-being. Although most physical symptoms can be managed by medication, psychosocial stressors may complicate survival and hamper quality of life. Mindfulness and Qigong, two kinds of mind-body exercise rooted in Eastern health philosophy, has been found effective in symptoms management, improving mental health, and reducing stress. With these potential benefits, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is planned to investigate the comparative effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin intervention on the bio-psychosocial wellbeing of people with colorectal cancer. A 3-arm RCT with waitlist control design will be used in this study. One hundred eighty-nine participants will be randomized into (i) Mindfulness, (ii) Baduanjin, or (iii) waitlist control groups. Participants in both the Baduanjin and mindfulness groups will receive 8-weeks of specific intervention. All three groups will undergo four assessment phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) at 4-week, (iii) at 8-week (post-intervention), and (iv) 6-month post-intervention (maintenance). All participants will be assessed in terms of cancer-related symptoms and symptom distress, mental health status, quality of life, stress level based on physiological marker. Based on prior research studies, participants in both the mindfulness and Baduanjn intervention group are expected to have better symptoms management, lower stress level, better mental health, and higher level of quality of life than the control group. This study contributes to better understanding on the common and unique effectiveness of mindfulness and Baduanjin qigong, as such patients and qualified healthcare professionals can select or provide practices which will produce maximum benefits, satisfaction, adherence, and sustainability.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of primary colorectal cancer of any stages 0 to III
* An expected survival length of 12 months or longer
* 0.5 to 5 years following completion of main treatment for colorectal cancer
* Ages 18 or higher
* Chinese speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Regularly practicing baduanjin qigong, other forms of qigong, taichi, meditation, mindfulness practices or yoga once a week or more
* Having participated in the above trainings in the past 6 months
* Severe cachexia, dizziness, bone pain, nausea or significant orthopedic problem or other contraindications for mild to moderate physical exertion
* Diagnosis of major medical or psychiatric disorder besides cancer (including but not limited to severe cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, untreated hypothyroidism, delirium or dementia)
* Recurrence of colorectal cancer or other cancers