Evaluating the effect and mechanism of Qigong versus low-intensity exercise in people with chronic low back pain

For this study, we will recruit up to 60 adults with chronic low back pain.

Participants with chronic low back pain will follow the free “Five elements Qigong Healing Movements” class at the Spring Forest Qigong Center and then practice the “Five elements Qigong Healing Movements” at home 3 times a week for 40 minutes with a free online video for 12 weeks.

The comparison group will get an introductory class of the low-intensity movements by P.Volve, followed by home practice for 12 weeks, 3 times a week for 40 minutes with online videos.

Both groups will each meet weekly in Dr. Van de Winckel’s Brain Body Mind Lab, the principal investigator of this study.

Before and after the training, participants will have an MRI of the brain (to look at brain function before and after training), some assessments of core muscles and balance, and they will fill in some questionnaires.

The proposal will identify mechanisms of Qigong, compared to exercise and determine: 

  1. the extent to which Qigong practice versus exercise activates body awareness brain areas and networks in adults with  chronic low back pain and 
  2. the extent to which the changes in the body awareness brain network after Qigong or exercise practice relate to clinical outcomes of pain, disability, body awareness/proprioception, balance and core muscle strength in adults with chronic low back pain.

The total participation period is about 3.5 months.

Expand all

Schedule of Events

Screening and clinical testing Visit

This visit will occur in the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Brain Body Mind lab, Room 302. You will be asked to do the following:

  • Consent to participate in the study
  • Review your demographic information and medication history
  • Complete study required clinical assessments and surveys
  • Complete an MRI scan of the brain

Qigong practice

Then you will participate in one class (about 6 hrs) at the Spring Forest Qigong Center and receive a video to practice at home, 3x/week, 40min/session for 12 weeks. You will meet weekly (1 hr) at the Brain Body Mind Lab (University of Minnesota) to review the training and address questions.

P.Volve (exercise) practice

Then you will participate in one class (about 2.5 hrs) at the University of Minnesota and receive videos to practice at home, 3x/week, 40min/session for 12 weeks. You will meet weekly (1 hr) at the Brain Body Mind Lab (University of Minnesota) to review the training and address questions.

Final visit

This visit will occur in the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Brain Body Mind lab, Room 302). You will be asked to do the following:

  • Complete study required clinical assessments and surveys
  • Complete an MRI scan of the brain

Study Location

Children's Rehabilitation Center (wheelchair accessible entrance)

Children's Rehab Building

426 Church Street SE
Room 302 - Brain Body Mind Lab
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-1191

From Highway I-94 take the Huron Boulevard exit and go north:

  • Left on Fulton Street SE
  • Continue straight ahead onto East River Parkway

The East River Road Garage Parking Ramp will be on your right. After parking, take the elevator to the first floor to go outside. The Coffman Memorial Union Building is in front of you, the road is Delaware Street SE. Turn right to walk on Delaware St SE and take another right on Church St SE.  We will meet you at the front entrance of the Children's Rehabilitation Building. We will then go to the Brain Body Mind Lab (3rd floor, Room 302).

If stairs are not an obstacle, you can also walk out of the East River Road Garage (Level C) and walk back to the East River Road Parkway, up the hill, to the first adjacent building on your left. This is the back entrance of the Children's Rehabilitation Center. We will wait for you at this door. 

Brain Body Mind Lab (Room 302)

Brain Body Mind Lab Room 302

FAQ

What do researchers hope to learn?

With chronic low back pain, researchers have found that some parts of the brain, related to pain and body awareness, function differently.

We would like to investigate how Qigong versus exercise helps reduce low back pain but also what parts in the brain improve in function when participants practice Qigong versus exercise for 12 weeks.

How will participating in this study help?

This research helps us understand how Qigong helps people with chronic low back pain. Understanding the brain function could potentially also help future research in people with other types of pain (e.g. neck pain or fibromyalgia).

How do I need to be dressed?

Loose fitting clothing would be fine. We recommend you wear clothing in which you are comfortable.

Do I have to take a break from other activities/therapies in order to participate?

We will have you continue do your usual activities. We will ask you not to start any other body awareness training (martial arts, dance, TaiChi) or exercise during the 12 weeks that you practice Qigong or exercise. You can continue any activities that you were doing beforehand.

What are the characteristics of participants you are looking for?

Participants (18-70 years of age) with various levels of chronic low back pain can participate. Participants who have cognitive problems, are unable to speak or understand instructions, who have nerve problems, fractures or infections, vision problems, or with imagining movements, or who do not speak English will not be recruited. If you are not sure if you are eligible, feel free to contact us.

How will I benefit from participating?

There may be no direct benefit to participating in this study, but you could benefit from the Qigong or exercise practice. In any case, the information from this study may help other people in the future.

Does this cost money to participate?

There is no charge to participate.

I'm working full-time/in shifts. Can I come before/after my work?

While we cannot always promise a perfect match, we will do our best to plan our visits around your working schedule. Visits early in the morning, after 5pm or during the weekend can be discussed.

Principal Investigator (PI):

Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MS, PT

Interested in Participating?

This is a one-time visit to the University of Minnesota.
Download one of the following:

Contact