Feasibility of using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Front. Physiol., 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1222616 · Published: August 31, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether Qigong, a mind-body practice, can help reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Neuropathic pain is a common and often untreatable problem for people with SCI. The study involved participants practicing Qigong remotely via online videos for 12 weeks. Researchers tracked their pain levels and other SCI-related symptoms throughout the study and during follow-up periods. The results showed that Qigong is feasible and acceptable for people with SCI, and it may also provide prolonged relief from neuropathic pain and improve other symptoms related to SCI.

Study Duration

12 weeks + follow-ups

Participants

18 adults with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Pilot non-randomized controlled trial

Key Findings

1
Remote Spring Forest Qigong is feasible for adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with high adherence and no study-related adverse events.
2
Participants experienced a significant reduction in neuropathic pain intensity after 12 weeks of Qigong practice, which was maintained at 6-week and 1-year follow-ups.
3
Qigong practice led to reduced spasm frequency and severity, reduced interference of neuropathic pain on mood, sleep, and daily activities, and improved functional activities.

Research Summary

This study investigated the feasibility and potential efficacy of remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong for reducing neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results demonstrated that the Qigong intervention was feasible, with high participant adherence and satisfaction. Participants experienced significant reductions in neuropathic pain, spasm frequency and severity, and improvements in mood, sleep, and functional activities. The findings suggest that remote Qigong may be a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing neuropathic pain and improving SCI-related symptoms, warranting further investigation in larger randomized controlled trials.

Practical Implications

Accessible Intervention

Remote Qigong delivery provides an accessible intervention for adults with SCI, overcoming barriers like transportation and scheduling difficulties.

Non-Pharmacological Approach

Qigong offers a non-pharmacological option for managing neuropathic pain in SCI, addressing the limitations and risks associated with pain medications.

Improved Quality of Life

Qigong practice can improve various aspects of life for individuals with SCI, including pain reduction, better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced functional abilities.

Study Limitations

1
Volunteer sampling may have introduced selection bias, limiting generalizability.
2
The study was a non-randomized pilot clinical trial with a small sample size.
3
Lack of diversity in terms of race and ethnicity among participants.

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