Background Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and fear of recurrence (FOR) are frequently experienced by cancer patients. This study aimed to improve cancer survivors’ CRF, FOR, quality of life (QOL), and heart rate variability (HRV) through Qigong and mindfulness interventions. Methods A quasi-experimental design was adopted, and 125 cancer survivors were recruited using snowball sampling. The participants were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (Qigong, mindfulness, and control) based on their needs and preferences. All groups received 4 h of nutrition education at the pretest (T0). CRF, FOR, and QOL questionnaires and HRV parameters were used as the measurement tools. Data were collected at the pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and follow-up (T2). Results Qigong had a better effect on improving CRF (ΔT1-T0 = − 0.108, ΔT2-T1 = − 0.008) and FOR (ΔT1-T0 = − 0.069, ΔT2-T1 = − 0.150) in the long term, while mindfulness improved QOL (ΔT1-T0 = 0.096, ΔT2-T1 = 0.013) better in the long term. Both Qigong and mindfulness had a short-term effect in improving SDNN (Q: ΔT1-T0 = 1.584; M: ΔT1-T0 = 6.979) and TP (Q: ΔT1-T0 = 41.601; M: ΔT1-T0 = 205.407), but the improvement in LF (Q: ΔT2-T1 = − 20.110; M: ΔT2-T1 = − 47.800) was better in the long term. Conclusion HRV evaluation showed that Qigong and the mindfulness interventions had short-term effects in significantly improving overall physical and mental health, self-emotional regulation, and QOL and relieving fatigue and autonomic dysfunction. HRV may serve as an observational indicator of interventions to improve physical and mental health. The consistent practice of mind-body interventions is the primary means of optimizing overall health and well-being.
This study aimed to determine the effect of a mindfulness stress management intervention on fear of recurrence and quality of life among female cancer survivors. A longitudinal, randomized design with two groups (60 participants) was used for pretest/posttest comparisons. Twelve weeks of mindfulness stress intervention effectively attenuated fear of recurrence symptoms (T1 p = 0.002, T2 p = 0.047), and quality of life (T1 p = 0.000, T2 p = 0.001) significantly increased. The results were significantly different between the intervention and control groups. Over time, group differences became more significant (T1 p = 0.002), demonstrating the effectiveness of the mindfulness stress management intervention. When female cancer survivors face uncertain disease progression, fear of recurrence affects their quality of life. When these women receive supportive intervention sooner, their improvement is more significant. Healthcare providers should encourage female cancer survivors to engage in mindfulness stress management actions to achieve a better benefit.
A 77-year-old male farmer sustained severe abdominal cramping pain for one hour. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) showed a 5.2 cm, oval lesion with interior mottled gas and slightly hyperdense component in the small bowel loop causing distension of the proximal small bowel loop. CT diagnosis of a bezoar in the small bowel causing bowel obstruction was made. Exploratory laparotomy disclosed a foreign body of soft texture in the jejunum located at 150 cm from the ligament of Treitz. A whole, undigested shiitake mushroom was noted after incision of the bowel. The patient had an uneventful course during the 9 days of hospitalization. The patient had recalled that he did not have any teeth and did not use dentures during eating, and accidentally swallowed the shiitake mushroom 2 days before the incident occurred.
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