Using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong™ to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: Protocol of a quasi-experimental clinical trial

Abstract

Background: About 50% of Americans living with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from long-term debilitating neuropathic pain, interfering with quality of daily life. Neuropathic pain is refractory to many available treatments, some carrying a risk for opioid addiction, highlighting an urgent need for new treatments. In this study, we will test our hypothesis that Spring Forest Qigong will reduce SCI-related neuropathic pain by improving body awareness. We will determine whether remotely delivered Qigong is feasible and whether it reduces neuropathic pain (primary outcome). We will also determine whether it reduces spasms frequency and/or severity, improves functional performance, mood, or body awareness (secondary outcomes). Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, adults with SCI will practice Qigong at home with a 45min video, at least 3x/week for 12 weeks. The Qigong practice includes movements with guided breathing and is individualized based on functional abilities, i.e., the participants will do kinesthetic imagery of Qigong movements with guided breathing, for movements that they are unable to perform actively. The primary clinical outcome, i.e., the highest, average, and lowest neuropathic pain ratings perceived in the prior week, will be recorded weekly throughout the study period. The secondary outcomes will be collected at 4 time points: at baseline, midway during the Qigong intervention (6 weeks), after the Qigong intervention (12 weeks), and after the 6-week follow-up. The data will be analyzed with a repeated measure ANOVA and with Tukey post-hoc tests. Discussion: Successful outcomes will provide promising evidence for remotely delivered Qigong for neuropathic pain and spasm reduction in individuals living with SCI.

Using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong™ to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: A non-randomized controlled trial

“…Details of how the different movements are performed are presented in our protocol paper. 48 The movements were accessible to adults with SCI with paraplegia or tetraplegia because the Qigong movements can also be done lying or sitting. Additionally, the first author (AVDW) developed specific kinesthetic imagery instructions to allow participants with all levels of mobility to participate maximally in the Qigong practice.…”

Identifying body awareness-related brain network changes after Spring Forest Qigong™ practice or P.Volve low-intensity exercise in adults with chronic low back pain: a feasibility Phase I Randomized Clinical Trial

“…54 More information about the "Five Element Healing Movements" can be found in our protocol paper of Spring Forest Qigong TM in adults with spinal cord injury. 55 The video was developed by Qigong Grand Master Chunyi Lin, MS in holistic healing, who founded the Spring Forest Qigong TM Center in Minnesota in 1995 after decades of study with some of the most renowned Qigong masters in China.…”

“…The five gentle movements are preceded and followed by gentle tapping of different body parts. For more information see Van 55 Functional fitness and restoration via lowimpact exercises focused on core and whole-body strengthening and coordination.…”