[Effects of Qigong on Cancer-Related Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Cognitive Impairment, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis].

Abstract

Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends qigong as an aerobic exercise for reducing cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors. However, findings regarding the effects of qigong on cancer-related fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, and quality of life in this population remain inconclusive and contradictory. Further study is warranted to better understand the impact of this exercise.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of qigong on cancer-related fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Methods: The search of the literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. The databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Airiti Library, and relevant articles published between inception and March 2024 were retrieved systematically. The quality of the retrieved articles was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2.0.

Results: Eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 469 participants were analyzed. Qigong was shown to significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue (SMD = -0.86, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI [-1.24, -0.48], p < .001) and sleep disturbance (SMD = -1.03, 95% CI [-1.36, -0.69], p < .001) and to improve overall quality of life (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI [0.27, 0.92], p < .001).

Conclusions / implications for practice: Qigong exercises that include specific "moving meditation" and "dynamic posture" components and are performed for session durations of 60 to 90 minutes with 3 to 5 sessions per week for a period of 8 to 12 weeks may reduce cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbance in survivors of breast cancer. Furthermore, the overall effects of these improvements were shown to enhance survivor quality of life.