Tai Chi for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Non-cancer survivors, Under 21, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 8 weeks

200 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial evaluates an online Tai Chi intervention to promote smoking cessation among cancer survivors. Tai chi is a practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. It is a gentle form of exercise that can be done while sitting or standing and does not involve any medications or medical procedures. Tai chi originated as an ancient martial art in China. Over the years, it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation. The use of Tai Chi may be beneficial for cancer patients who want to quit smoking.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the Tai Chi trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Since Tai Chi is a form of exercise and does not involve medications, it's likely you can continue your current medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Tai Chi for cancer survivors?

Research suggests that Tai Chi may help improve the quality of life and wellbeing for cancer survivors, although the evidence is not strong enough to be conclusive. Some studies show favorable effects on psychological and physical outcomes, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm these benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Tai Chi safe for cancer survivors?

Tai Chi is generally considered safe for cancer survivors, as it is a low-intensity exercise that can be more easily performed by older adults and those with physical limitations. It has been associated with benefits like improved fatigue and sleep quality, and it is a practical exercise option for those who may not be able to engage in more intense physical activities. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the treatment Tai Chi unique for cancer survivors?

Tai Chi is a unique treatment for cancer survivors because it combines gentle physical movements with mental focus, which can improve physical function and psychological well-being. Unlike standard medical treatments, it is a mind-body exercise that may help relieve cancer-related symptoms and enhance quality of life without the use of medication. ^{3 4 10 11 12}

Research Team

Ce Shang, PhD

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult cancer survivors (21+ years old) who finished treatment at least 3 months ago and are current smokers with a moderate interest in quitting. They must be able to join Zoom calls. People not eligible include those treated for cancer within the last 3 months, under 21, unable to use Zoom, or have low interest in stopping smoking.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 21 years old or older.

Report at least moderate interest in quitting smoking (>=3 on a Likert type scale with 5 being very extremely interested)

Report smoking cigarettes in the past 30 days

Exclusion Criteria

I am a cancer patient who hasn't been treated or was last treated within 3 months.

Non-smokers in the past 30 days

Report lower than moderate interest in quitting smoking (<3 on a Likert type scale with 5 being very extremely interested)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants participate in an 8-week online Tai Chi intervention, either supervised or self-administered, along with standard smoking cessation resources.

8 weeks

Online sessions, self-administered modules

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for smoking cessation, quit attempts, and cigarette dependence through CO verification and online surveys.

6 months

Online surveys at baseline, 4 weeks, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-intervention

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Tai Chi

Trial Overview The study tests an online Tai Chi program designed to help cancer survivors quit smoking. It includes slow movements, posture exercises, meditation, and controlled breathing without medications or medical procedures. Participants will also undergo carbon monoxide measurement and surveys.

Participant Groups

Group I: Arm I (Tai Chi) Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

Participants receive access to the online WaQi program to practice Tai Chi supervised over 60 minutes BIW and home-based over 10 minutes five days a week for 8 weeks. Participants also receive a document highlighting NCI resources for quitting smoking including NCI's tollfree Quitline number, state Quitline numbers and other resources, and undergo CO testing on study.

Group II: Arm II (Standard cessation) Active Control 5 Interventions

Participants receive a document highlighting NCI resources for quitting smoking including NCI's tollfree Quitline number, state Quitline numbers and other resources, and undergo CO testing on study. Participants also receive an 8-week online Tai Chi self-administered teaching module subscription at the end of the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

350

Recruited

295,000+

Findings from Research

There are currently over 13.7 million cancer survivors in the U.S., a number expected to rise by 31% in the next decade, highlighting the need for effective health strategies for this aging population.

Tai Ji Quan is suggested as a beneficial exercise for older cancer survivors to help reduce risks of disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease, but more controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in this specific group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Ji Quan for the aging cancer survivor: Mitigating the accelerated development of disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease from cancer treatment. Winters-Stone, K.[2021]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of tai chi in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2020]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai chi for breast cancer patients: a systematic review. [2022]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is Tai Chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. [2020]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi for cancer survivors: A systematic review toward consensus-based guidelines. [2022]

7. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Ji Quan for the aging cancer survivor: Mitigating the accelerated development of disability, falls, and cardiovascular disease from cancer treatment. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai chi chuan: mind-body practice or exercise intervention? Studying the benefit for cancer survivors. [2007]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and inflammatory cytokine outcomes in senior female cancer survivors enrolled in a tai chi chih randomized controlled trial. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of Tai Chi practice on immunological function in cancer survivors: A protocol for systematic review. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effectiveness of Tai Chi in Patients With Breast Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai chi chuan exercise for patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]