The effects of Tai Chi Qi Qong program on self-esteem, urine cortisol, fatigue, and quality of life in Thai women living with breast cancer

• Main Author: Natma Thongteratham
• Other Authors: Kanaungnit Pongthavornkamol
• Language: English
• Published: Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center 2023
• Subjects: Qi gong.; Tai chi.; Medicine, Chinese.; Breast cancer; Self-esteem; Women; Quality of life
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/89546
• Institution: Mahidol University

This two-group randomized control experimental study aimed to determine the effects of Tai Chi Qi Qong (TCQQ) program on self-esteem, urine cortisol level (UC level), fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in Thai women living with breast cancer. Thirty Thai women living with breast cancer who routinely visited the breast clinic after treatment completion at least 1 year were randomly assigned to a 12-week TCQQ program (experimental group, n=15) and regular care (control group, n=15). Four main outcomes including self-esteem, UC level, fatigue, and QOL were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), respectively. Data were collected at three time points: one day before the program implementation (T1), the 6th week (T2), and the 12th week (T3) after program implementation. Differences between two groups were tested using Chi-square test and independent t-test and there were no significant difference between two comparison groups at T1 (p > .05). Comparisons between two groups at T1, T2, and T3 were performed using repeated measures ANCOVA. After controlling for baseline dependent variables (T1) as covariates, the results revealed that Thai women living with breast cancer in experimental group had statistically significant higher self-esteem (p =.026), lower UC level (p =.005), lower fatigue (p =.007), and higher QOL (p =.048) at 6th week (T2) and 12th week (T3) than those in the control group who received usual care. This research study has demonstrated the effectiveness of TCQQ program on self-esteem, fatigue, UC level, and QOL in Thai women living with breast cancer. The findings also supported the applicability of implementing TCQQ program in Thai women living with breast cancer to promote various aspects of health and quality of life. Randomized control trial with larger sample size is recommended.