Suspended

Qigong's Impact on Well-Being and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Study Aim

This study aims to evaluate the impact of Qigong on the well-being and balance of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29), a patient-reported questionnaire that assesses the physical and psychological effects of the condition.

What is being tested

Conventional rehabilitation therapy

+ Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises

Other

Who is being recruted

Autoimmune Diseases+4

+ Demyelinating Diseases

+ Immune System Diseases

From 18 to 65 Years

+7 Eligibility Criteria

See all eligibility criteria

How is the trial designed

Treatment Study

Interventional

Study Start: December 2025

See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorBaskent University

Last updated: March 17, 2026

Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: December 1, 2025

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

This clinical trial focuses on exploring the effects of Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice that combines concentration, visualization, breathing, posture, and movement, on patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The goal of Qigong is to enhance and balance life energy (Qi). MS, a neurological disease, often reduces the quality of life of patients due to chronic disability, dependency, and associated psychosocial disorders like anxiety and depression. This study aims to see if Qigong can improve the overall well-being and balance of MS patients, as no previous study has compared Qigong exercises with conventional rehabilitation methods in MS treatment. The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial, involving patients from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Başkent University. The minimum required sample size is 148 participants, divided equally into a Qigong group and a control group. The primary outcome of the study will be measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29), a patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess the physical and psychological impact of MS on an individual's daily life. The MSIS-29 provides a comprehensive view of how MS affects a patient's quality of life, with higher scores indicating a greater impact.

Official TitleThe Effect of Qigong on Functional Outcomes, Balance, General Well-Being, and Depression in Patients Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

NCT07473180

Principal SponsorBaskent University

Last updated: March 17, 2026

Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

Design Details

36 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Treatment Study

These studies test new ways to treat a disease, condition, or health issue. The goal is to see if a new drug, therapy, or approach works better or has fewer side effects than existing options.

Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Conditions

Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

From 18 to 65 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Autoimmune DiseasesDemyelinating DiseasesImmune System DiseasesMultiple SclerosisNervous System DiseasesAutoimmune Diseases of the Nervous SystemDemyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS

Criteria

3 inclusion criteria required to participate

No relapse or treatment changes in the last 30 days

Aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with MS according to McDonald criteria

Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) <= 5, able to walk independently or with minimal assistance

4 exclusion criteria prevent from participating

Participation in a mixed exercise program containing traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, etc.) in the past 3 months

Severe cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal problems that could contraindicate traditional Chinese exercises

Communication barriers due to cognitive issues

Progressive comorbid conditions

Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.

Treatment Groups

Study Objectives

2 intervention groups are designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group

Treatment Groups

Group I

Active Comparator

Patients in the conventional rehabilitation group will participate in a rehabilitation program at least 3 days a week, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The program will include neurophysiological exercises, strengthening exercises, and balance and coordination exercises, performed in three sets of 10 repetitions. There will be warm-up and cool-down periods before and after each session.

Group II

Experimental

This group will take 3 times a week Qi gong therapy with classical conventional therapy. The protocol includes eight traditional movements, such as: * Raising Hands to the Sky, * Drawing the Bow to Hit the Hawk, * Separating Heaven and Earth, * The Wise Owl Looking Back, * Shaking the Head and Tail, * Bending to Touch the Feet, * Clenching Fists and Gathering Energy with a Fierce Look, * Shaking the Body by Hitting the Heels. Each exercise sequence will be performed with warm-up (deep breathing) and cool-down (focusing on energy flow). The Qigong group will participate in a 45-minute additional Qigong session (three times a week), led by a physiotherapist, after their conventional rehabilitation program.

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Suspended

Baskent University Medical faculty

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)Open Baskent University Medical faculty in Google Maps

SuspendedOne Study Center