Qi-Gong Mind-Body Therapy and Diabetes Control A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Previous studies have shown that qi-gong, a form of mind-body movement therapy, may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes; however, no controlled studies have been conducted to examine the predictors and mediators of qi-gong effects on indicators of diabetes control. This study examined the effects of qi-gong on diabetes control and identified the predictors and mediators of these effects. Design: RCT. Setting/participants: The study included forty-one participants (16 men and 25 women; aged 41-71 years) with elevated blood glucose levels. Interventions: Participants were randomized to qi-gong intervention or a usual medical care control group. Physical and hematologic measures were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Main outcome measures: The outcomes were indicators of diabetes control(HbA1c, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and insulin, and 2-hour blood glucose and insulin) and potential mediators of these(body weight, waist circumference, and leg strength). Data were collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2007 to 2009. Results: Linear regression analyses showed significant between-group differences in favor of the intervention group in weight (p<0.01); waist circumference (p<0.01); leg strength (p<0.01); HbA1c (p<0.05); insulin resistance (p<0.01); and fasting blood insulin (p<0.01) at 12 weeks. Logistic regression analyses showed that the qi-gong intervention was a significant predictor of reduced weight (odds for decreasing by -2 kg = 11.14, p<0.01); waist circumference (by -5 cm = 22.50, p<0.01); insulin resistance (by -0.2 unit = 3.75, p<0.05); and improved leg strength (odds for increasing by 4 stands in 30 seconds = 7.00, p<0.01). The effect of the qi-gong intervention on improved insulin resistance was mediated by reduced weight. Conclusions: The qi-gong intervention was associated with improvements in weight, waist circumference, leg strength, and insulin resistance. The mediation analyses highlight the importance of weight reduction in the control of diabetes.