Effects of qigong exercise training on shoulder and respiratory function after thoracotomy-a randomized controlled trial
European Journal of Integrative Medicine, cilt.84, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 84
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.eujim.2026.102659
- Dergi Adı: European Journal of Integrative Medicine
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Postoperative complications, Qigong, Respiratory function, Respiratory muscle strength, Shoulder function, Thoracotomy
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Shoulder pain and respiratory dysfunction are frequently observed after thoracotomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a postoperative Qigong exercise program in improving pain, shoulder and respiratory functions, functional capacity, and quality of life. Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 60 thoracotomy patients were assigned to either the study group or the control group. After the study began, 3 patients from the study group and 4 patients from the control group withdrew from the study for various reasons. The study ended with 27 participants in the study group and 26 in the control group. The study group performed Baduanjin Qigong exercises three times a week for 8 weeks. Pain, shoulder function, respiratory function, and functional capacity were assessed before surgery and on the 7th day, 4th week, and 8th week after surgery. During the safety assessment, patients were asked whether they experienced any side effects during and after the Qigong sessions, and all reported complaints were documented. Results: At week 4, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower pain levels compared to the control group (mean difference (MD) -2.09, 95 % CI -3.24 to -1.05), higher shoulder abduction range of motion (MD 17.91, 95 % CI 10.63 to 23.65), shoulder extension (MD 20.14, 95 % CI 12.28 to 25.83), and internal rotation (MD 35.82, 95 % CI 30.11 to 41.23) strength. Respiratory function parameters showed improvement at week 4 (FEV1 %, MD 0.01, 95 % CI -0.34 to 1.24; FEF25–75 %, MD 6.88, 95 % CI 3.92 to 8.07). Respiratory muscle strength was also significantly higher in the exercise group at week 8 (MD 5.79, 95 % CI 2.238 to 8.26). For safety assessment, no adverse effects were observed in any of the participants during or after Qigong exercises. Conclusion: Qigong training is a beneficial adjunct to postoperative rehabilitation after thoracotomy and can significantly improve pain, musculoskeletal and respiratory function, functional capacity, and quality of life.