Cui et al. (2026)
- Authors: Jiahe Cui, Fangfang Xie, Yanli You, Yuanjia Gu, Jiatuo Xu, Fei Yao
- Institutes: Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ChangHai Hospital, Naval Medical University
- Publisher: Complementary Therapies in Medicine
- Link: DOI
Summary
This exploratory trial suggests that the ‘Prolong Life With Nine Turn’ (YNJZ) Qigong method is a viable non-drug intervention for managing ME/CFS symptoms. The study demonstrates that this traditional mind-body exercise can achieve clinical improvements in fatigue and mental health comparable to or slightly better than cognitive behavioral therapy. Furthermore, the research links these clinical benefits to physiological changes in the gut-brain axis, highlighting a potential mechanism for how physical movement and abdominal massage influence systemic fatigue.
What was researched?
The study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the ‘Prolong Life With Nine Turn’ (YNJZ) Qigong method on fatigue, sleep quality, and psychological symptoms in patients with ME/CFS. It also explored the role of the gut microbiota and brain activity in mediating these clinical effects.
Why was it researched?
ME/CFS is a complex disorder with limited effective treatments; researchers sought to evaluate traditional Chinese mind-body exercises as a safe alternative. The study aimed to clarify the relationship between gastrointestinal function, the gut-brain axis, and persistent fatigue.
How was it researched?
This was an exploratory randomized controlled trial involving 90 participants diagnosed with ME/CFS, divided into a YNJZ Qigong group and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group. Participants practiced the intervention for 12 weeks, and outcomes were measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), sleep quality scales (PSQI), and gut microbiota analysis.
What has been found?
Both the YNJZ and CBT groups showed significant improvements in fatigue, sleep, anxiety, and depression scores. The YNJZ group achieved a clinical effective rate of 62.22%, which was slightly higher than the 50.00% observed in the CBT group. Additionally, the study found correlations between symptom relief and changes in regional brain activity and peripheral biomarkers like Neuropeptide Y.
Discussion
The study suggests that YNJZ is a feasible rehabilitation method for ME/CFS, though the exploratory nature and small sample size are noted limitations. While clinical improvements were clear, the long-term sustainability of these effects requires further investigation.
Conclusion & Future Work
The YNJZ Qigong method is an effective complementary therapy for reducing ME/CFS symptoms and improving quality of life. Future large-scale trials are recommended to determine the optimal frequency and intensity of the intervention.