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Perceptions of People With Multiple Sclerosis Who Practice Tai Chi and/or Qigong: A Mixed-Methods Study
Lita Buttolph1, Jamie Villanueva1, Heena Manglani-Terranova1
1Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR (LB, TS, RB, HZ); College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (JV); Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (HM-T); Osher Center for Integrative Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (HM-T, GYY); Division of General Medicine, Beth Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (GYY); Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (LB, LW); MS Center of Excellence, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR (LW); Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (RB).
Background:
Exercise is important for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Tai chi and qigong (TCQ) are mind-body exercises shown to benefit physical, emotional, and cognitive health in many conditions, but research has been limited in people with MS. To understand potential benefits from regular TCQ practice and factors influencing feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability, we conducted a mixed-methods study through a survey and focus groups with people with MS who regularly practice TCQ.
Methods:
We conducted focus groups with people with MS from across the United States who regularly practice TCQ; the data from these groups were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants also completed a brief survey that collected data on demographics, MS health history and symptoms, and TCQ practice (including opinions on content, dosage, and delivery).
Results:
Thirteen people with MS (85% female, 69% White) participated in the study. Reported TCQ benefits included physical (balance, strength), cognitive (memory), psychological (calming), and social (community building), with a dose-response gain over time. Challenges included learning and remembering movements, physical limitations (strength, endurance, fatigue), and transportation barriers. Adaptations specific to MS included tailoring TCQ content to meet individual needs and symptoms, appropriate pace, online delivery, and safety. Keys to sustainable practice included enjoyment, patience and self-compassion, viewing TCQ as medicine, and scheduling time for practice.
Conclusions:
Results suggest people with MS who maintain a TCQ practice may experience physical, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits, especially when specific practice details and facilitators are met. Future studies might investigate how these factors influence sustainable practice.
