Qigong Therapy For Heart Device Patients

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Depressive Disorder, Cardiac Diseases

In brief

The goal of this study is to improve the overall physical health and quality of life of patients attached to mechanical heart devices while awaiting heart transplantation. Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise that involves active participation of the individual in the form of meditation, breathing exercises and simple physical movements, is used in combination with a structured exercise program. We are testing the hypotheses that Qigong, in combination with a structured exercise program that combines aerobic and resistance training will improve the cardiovascular health and improve the quality of life of patients on mechanical heart devices. To test these hypotheses, we are measuring cardiovascular function and quality of life parameters in patients attached to mechanical heart devices who have participated in the exercise program and have practiced Qigong, and comparing these measures to patients who participated in the exercise program, but did not practice Qigong. Information gained from this research will serve as a basis from which the application of exercise training and Qigong can be applied to the treatment of other chronic diseases in which the physical conditioning and/or quality of life of individuals is compromised.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT00027001
Run by
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
People needed
30
Starts
2000-09-01
Expected to finish
2003-06-01
Last updated by the study team
2006-08-18

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.