Feasibility of using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Introduction: Approximately 69% of 299,000 Americans with spinal
cord injury (SCI) suffer debilitating chronic neuropathic pain, which is
intractable to treatment. The aim of this study is to determine
feasibility, as the primary objective, and estimates of efficacy of a
remotely delivered Qigong intervention in adults with SCI-related
neuropathic pain, as the secondary objective. Methods: We
recruited adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with SCI
≥3 months, with complete or incomplete SCI, and highest
neuropathic pain level of >3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
(NPRS), using nationwide volunteer sampling. Using a non-randomized
controlled trial design, participants practiced Spring Forest Qigong’s
“Five Element Qigong Healing Movements” (online video) by combining
movement to the best of their ability with kinesthetic imagery, at least
3x/week for 12 weeks. Adherence was automatically tracked through
the Spring Forest Qigong website. Outcomes of neuropathic pain intensity
(NPRS) were assessed weekly, and SCI-related symptoms were assessed at
baseline, 6, and 12 weeks of Qigong practice and at 6-week and
1-year follow-ups. Results: We recruited 23 adults with chronic
SCI (7/2021–2/2023). In total, 18 participants started the study and
completed all study components, including the 6-week follow-up. Twelve
participants completed the 1-year follow-up assessment. Feasibility was
demonstrated through participants’ willingness to participate, adherence,
and acceptability of the study. Mean age of the 18 participants was 60 ±
12 years, and they were 15 ± 11 years post-SCI with the
highest baseline neuropathic pain of 7.94 ± 2.33, which
was reduced to 4.17 ± 3.07 after 12 weeks of Qigong practice
(Cohen’s d = 1.75). This pain relief remained at 6-week
and 1-year follow-ups. Participants reported reduced spasm frequency
(change score 1.17 ± 1.20, d = 0.98) and severity (0.72
± 1.02, d = 0.71), reduced interference of neuropathic
pain on mood (3.44 ± 2.53, d = 1.36), sleep (3.39 ±
2.40, d = 1.41), daily activities (3.17 ±
2.77, d = 1.14), greater ability to perform functional
activities (6.68 ± 3.07, d = 2.18), and improved mood
(2.33 ± 3.31, d = 0.70) after Qigong.
Discussion: Remote Spring Forest Qigong’s “Five Element Qigong
Healing Movements” practice is feasible in adults with SCI-related
neuropathic pain, with promising prolonged results of neuropathic pain
relief and improvement in SCI-related symptoms after Qigong practice.
Clinical trial
registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04917107, identifier NCT04917107