Multiple SclerosisNCT07473180
Effects of Qigong Therapy in MS Patients
A study testing Conventional rehabilitation therapy and Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Baskent University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Chinese medical exercises (Qigong) are part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, consisting of exercise sequences originating from China. These exercises have been used in China for thousands of years to maintain physical and psychological health and treat diseases. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Multiple Sclerosis
- What is being tested?
- Conventional rehabilitation therapy and Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 15 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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,
- No relapse or treatment changes in the last 30 days.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Qigong on Functional Outcomes, Balance, General Well-Being, and Depression in Patients Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis
Chinese medical exercises (Qigong) are part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, consisting of exercise sequences originating from China. These exercises have been used in China for thousands of years to maintain physical and psychological health and treat diseases. They have increasingly become a focus of modern medicine. Qigong is a practice that integrates concentration, visualization, breathing, posture, and movement techniques. Its goal is to enhance, activate, develop, and balance life energy (Qi).
Study Type: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Upon reviewing the literature, no study was found comparing the practical application of Qigong exercises with conventional rehabilitation methods. This study aims to investigate the effects of Qigong on the overall well-being and balance of Multipl Sklerosis patients.
Read the detailed description
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION Chinese medical exercises (Qigong) are part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, consisting of exercise sequences originating from China. These exercises have been used in China for thousands of years to maintain physical and psychological health and treat diseases. They have increasingly become a focus of modern medicine. Qigong is a practice that integrates concentration, visualization, breathing, posture, and movement techniques. Its goal is to enhance, activate, develop, and balance life energy (Qi).
Many neurological diseases, which are the focus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists, reduce the quality of life of patients due to chronic disability and dependency, along with associated psychosocial disorders such as anxiety and depression. The goal of neurological rehabilitation, which aims to achieve "optimal biopsychosocial well-being", aligns with the objectives of mind-body medicine. Indeed, the components of mind-body medicine are frequently used in neurological rehabilitation today.
Upon reviewing the literature, no study was found comparing the practical application of Qigong exercises with conventional rehabilitation methods in MS. This study aims to investigate the effects of Qigong on the overall well-being and balance of MS patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Type: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Sample: Patients visiting the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Başkent University, who are enrolled in a rehabilitation program and consent to participate, will be included.
The minimum required sample size for the "Student's t-test" to achieve 80% power with a 95% confidence level is n=128 (64 in the Qigong group and 64 in the control group). For "Repeated Measures ANOVA," the minimum required sample size is n=148 (74 in each group).
Thus, the total minimum sample size for the study is 148 participants.
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Being tested
- Conventional rehabilitation therapy, Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises
- Keywords
- Multiple sclerosis, Qigong, Complementary Therapies
- Medical subject headings
- Multiple Sclerosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conventional rehabilitation therapyOther
: Patients in the conventional rehabilitation group will participate in a rehabilitation program 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.
Qi gong Baduanjin ExercisesOther
The protocol includes eight traditional movements, such as:
- Raising Hands to the Sky (9 repeats)
- Drawing the Bow to Hit the Hawk (9 left, 9 right repeats)
- Separating Heaven and Earth (9 repeats)
- The Wise Owl Looking Back. (9 left, 9 right repeats)
- Shaking the Head and Tail (9 left, 9 right repeats)
- Bending to Touch the Feet (9 repeats)
- Clenching Fists and Gathering Energy with a Fierce Look (9 left, 9 right repeats)
- Shaking the Body by Hitting the Heels (9 repeats) 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 Qigong session 3 days a week,30-45 minutes, led by a physiotherapist, after their conventional rehabilitation program (3 days a week, with each session lasting 1,5 hours).Breathing in and out will be performed in coordination with qigong movements.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Therapy | 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. Receives: Other: Conventional rehabilitation therapy |
| Qi gong | 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. Receives: Other: Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29)
The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) is a widely used, patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess the physical and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on an individual's daily life. Developed by Hobart and colleagues in 2001, the MSIS-29 consists of 29 items divided into two subscales: 20 items addressing the physical impact of MS and 9 items evaluating the psychological impact. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "not at all" to "extremely," and the total scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate greater impact. The MSIS-29 is valued for its reliability, sensitivity to change, and ease of use in both clinical practice and research settings. It provides a comprehensive view of how MS affects a patient's quality of life.
Measured: before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (3)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a widely used clinical tool designed to assess a person's balance and risk of falling, particularly in older adults and individuals with balance impairments due to neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. It consists of 14 simple tasks that measure both static and dynamic balance abilities, including activities such as standing up from a sitting position, standing with eyes closed, turning, and reaching forward. Each task is scored on a 5-point scale (0 to 4), where 0 indicates inability to perform and 4 indicates independent and safe performance, resulting in a maximum total score of 56. Lower scores indicate greater balance impairment and a higher risk of falls.
Measured: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Barthel Index
The Barthel Index is a standardized tool used to assess a person's ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. It is commonly used in rehabilitation settings, especially for individuals recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions affecting physical functioning. The index evaluates 10 daily activities, including feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, toilet use, transfers (e.g., from bed to chair), mobility, and stair climbing. Each activity is scored based on the level of assistance required, with total scores typically ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater independence. A score of 100 means the individual is fully independent, while lower scores reflect varying levels of dependency.
Measured: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents and adults. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. The total score helps classify depression severity as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe.
Measured: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2025
- Primary completion30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Multiple SclerosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Baskent University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ozlem Kuculmez, Baskent University
- Investigators
- Sevgi Ikbali Afsar, Professor, Study chair, Baskent University Hospital Ankara
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07473180
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Okuculmez
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 16 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Qigong on Functional Outcomes, Balance, General Well-Being, and Depression in Patients Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07473180
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Okuculmez
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Keywords
- Multiple sclerosis, Qigong, Complementary Therapies
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Baskent UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 16 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Chinese medical exercises (Qigong) are part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, consisting of exercise sequences originating from China. These exercises have been used in China for thousands of years to maintain physical and psychological health and treat diseases. They have increasingly become a focus of modern medicine. Qigong is a practice that integrates concentration, visualization, breathing, posture, and movement techniques. Its goal is to enhance, activate, develop, and balance life energy (Qi).
Study Type: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Upon reviewing the literature, no study was found comparing the practical application of Qigong exercises with conventional rehabilitation methods. This study aims to investigate the effects of Qigong on the overall well-being and balance of Multipl Sklerosis patients.
Detailed description
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION Chinese medical exercises (Qigong) are part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, consisting of exercise sequences originating from China. These exercises have been used in China for thousands of years to maintain physical and psychological health and treat diseases. They have increasingly become a focus of modern medicine. Qigong is a practice that integrates concentration, visualization, breathing, posture, and movement techniques. Its goal is to enhance, activate, develop, and balance life energy (Qi).
Many neurological diseases, which are the focus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists, reduce the quality of life of patients due to chronic disability and dependency, along with associated psychosocial disorders such as anxiety and depression. The goal of neurological rehabilitation, which aims to achieve "optimal biopsychosocial well-being", aligns with the objectives of mind-body medicine. Indeed, the components of mind-body medicine are frequently used in neurological rehabilitation today.
Upon reviewing the literature, no study was found comparing the practical application of Qigong exercises with conventional rehabilitation methods in MS. This study aims to investigate the effects of Qigong on the overall well-being and balance of MS patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Type: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Sample: Patients visiting the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Başkent University, who are enrolled in a rehabilitation program and consent to participate, will be included.
The minimum required sample size for the "Student's t-test" to achieve 80% power with a 95% confidence level is n=128 (64 in the Qigong group and 64 in the control group). For "Repeated Measures ANOVA," the minimum required sample size is n=148 (74 in each group).
Thus, the total minimum sample size for the study is 148 participants.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Therapy | Active comparator | Other: Conventional rehabilitation therapyPatients 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. |
| Qi gong | Experimental | Other: Qi gong Baduanjin ExercisesThis 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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,
- No relapse or treatment changes in the last 30 days.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional rehabilitation therapy: Patients in the conventional rehabilitation group will participate in a rehabilitation program 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. | Other | Conventional Therapy |
| Qi gong Baduanjin ExercisesThe protocol includes eight traditional movements, such as: * Raising Hands to the Sky (9 repeats) * Drawing the Bow to Hit the Hawk (9 left, 9 right repeats) * Separating Heaven and Earth (9 repeats) * The Wise Owl Looking Back. (9 left, 9 right repeats) * Shaking the Head and Tail (9 left, 9 right repeats) * Bending to Touch the Feet (9 repeats) * Clenching Fists and Gathering Energy with a Fierce Look (9 left, 9 right repeats) * Shaking the Body by Hitting the Heels (9 repeats) 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 Qigong session 3 days a week,30-45 minutes, led by a physiotherapist, after their conventional rehabilitation program (3 days a week, with each session lasting 1,5 hours).Breathing in and out will be performed in coordination with qigong movements. | Other | Qi gong |
Primary outcome
The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29)
Time frame: before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) is a widely used, patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess the physical and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on an individual's daily life. Developed by Hobart and colleagues in 2001, the MSIS-29 consists of 29 items divided into two subscales: 20 items addressing the physical impact of MS and 9 items evaluating the psychological impact. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "not at all" to "extremely," and the total scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate greater impact. The MSIS-29 is valued for its reliability, sensitivity to change, and ease of use in both clinical practice and research settings. It provides a comprehensive view of how MS affects a patient's quality of life.
3 secondary outcomes
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Time frame: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Barthel Index
Time frame: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
Time frame: Before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Sevgi Ikbali Afsar, Professor study chair
Baskent University Hospital Ankara
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conventional rehabilitation therapy and Qi gong Baduanjin Exercises in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Baskent University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) (time frame: before therapy and after therapy (6 weeks)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Mar 2026.