Qigong and Quality of Life in Older Cancer Survivors: A Review of Mechanisms and Findings
In the randomized controlled trial titled “The effect of qigong on frailty in older cancer survivors”, Cheung et al. (2025) explored the effects of Baduanjin Qigong on frailty and related health outcomes—including health-related quality of life (HRQoL)—in older cancer survivors. Although the primary outcome of frailty reversal showed no statistically significant advantage for Qigong over light flexibility exercise, the study presents compelling data on how Qigong meaningfully enhances various facets of quality of life in this vulnerable population.
This review examines the mechanisms by which Qigong supports HRQoL, emphasizing both subjective well-being and measurable physiological improvements that directly contribute to perceived life satisfaction and functional independence in older cancer survivors.
Quality of Life as a Multidimensional Construct in Cancer Survivorship
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is particularly salient in cancer survivorship, especially among older adults who often experience lingering side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, physical deconditioning, depression, and systemic inflammation. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire used in this study measures global health status, incorporating both physical and emotional domains.
The Cheung et al. (2025) trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in HRQoL within both the Qigong and light flexibility exercise groups. However, only the Qigong group showed improvement in multidimensional frailty severity, which includes psychological and social elements—domains closely tied to quality of life. These findings suggest that the meditative, breath-centered, and mind–body integration elements of Qigong may yield additional benefits that extend beyond physical fitness and contribute uniquely to the subjective sense of well-being.
Mechanisms by Which Qigong Enhances Quality of Life
1. Psychological Well-Being and Emotional Regulation
Qigong incorporates slow, meditative movements with breath awareness and mental focus, offering a low-impact form of mindfulness practice. In the Cheung et al. trial, Qigong participants demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms as measured by the Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale. This improvement was present at both 8- and 16-week follow-ups, with statistical significance (P < .001), while the control group only showed significant improvement by week 16 (P = .003).
The psychological benefits of Qigong can be partly attributed to its regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reduction of stress-induced cortisol levels, which are implicated in depression and fatigue. Mindful movement and diaphragmatic breathing in Qigong stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a relaxation response that alleviates anxiety, supports emotional balance, and thereby enhances quality of life.
2. Inflammation Reduction and Immune Modulation
Systemic inflammation is a known contributor to cancer-related frailty and poor quality of life. Chronic low-grade inflammation can exacerbate fatigue, cognitive decline, and depressive symptoms. Cheung et al. cite prior evidence suggesting that Qigong reduces inflammatory markers and improves immune system function. A systematic review by Oh et al. (2020) referenced in the paper found that Qigong and Tai Chi influence cytokine production, reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), and improve T-cell response.
These anti-inflammatory effects are likely to reduce cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and malaise—thereby improving daily functioning and life satisfaction. For older cancer survivors, even modest reductions in inflammatory load can translate to substantial gains in perceived wellness.
3. Improved Physical Functioning and Independence
HRQoL in elderly populations is closely tied to functional independence. Qigong was shown to significantly improve physical performance in the trial, with participants scoring higher on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a validated measure of gait speed, balance, and strength. Importantly, the gains in physical performance exceeded the minimum clinically meaningful threshold in both groups, with slightly better outcomes in the Qigong group at 8 weeks (P = .030).
Although both groups engaged in physical movement, the distinctive characteristics of Qigong—coordinated movement, breath control, and mental focus—appear to contribute more holistically to neuro-muscular coordination and balance. These qualities not only reduce fall risk but also foster confidence, body awareness, and vitality—elements essential to maintaining quality of life in later years.
4. Multidimensional Frailty and Holistic Well-being
While the primary outcome—reversal of frailty status—did not show significant differences between groups, Qigong was superior in reducing multidimensional frailty severity, as measured by the Edmonton Frail Scale. This scale encompasses not only physical indicators but also cognitive, social, and nutritional aspects. At 8 weeks, the Qigong group showed a significant between-group reduction in score compared to the light exercise group (P = .043).
This suggests that Qigong’s integrative elements may touch more dimensions of wellness than flexibility exercises alone. The enhanced sense of social engagement through group practice, the focus on inner awareness, and the rhythm of breath–body coordination may collectively nourish aspects of psychological and existential health not adequately addressed by conventional exercise modalities.
Adherence and Acceptability
Acceptability of any intervention impacts its real-world application and sustained benefit. The study noted high adherence to Qigong practice, with participants averaging 109.23 minutes per week of self-practice—significantly more than the control group (P = .034). Additionally, 84.9% of Qigong participants passed a competency assessment for movement and breath coordination, indicating that the practice is learnable and executable even among older adults.
This level of engagement implies that Qigong was not only beneficial but also enjoyable and meaningful to participants—a vital factor in long-term adherence and quality-of-life improvement. The structured nature of Baduanjin, with its eight simple and repetitive movements, may contribute to its accessibility and appeal.
Safety and Clinical Implications
Crucially, the intervention was well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported in either group. For oncology care teams, this establishes Qigong as a safe, non-pharmacological, non-invasive adjunct therapy for frailty and quality of life management in older survivors. Its ease of implementation in both clinical and community settings further supports its inclusion in survivorship care plans.
Given the rising population of aging cancer survivors, scalable interventions that improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being are urgently needed. Qigong meets these criteria and offers additional cultural relevance in regions where Traditional Chinese Medicine is embraced.
Limitations and Future Directions
While Cheung et al. found no statistical superiority of Qigong in frailty reversal over light flexibility exercise, the improvement in multidimensional frailty and consistent benefits in psychological well-being and HRQoL position Qigong as a viable therapeutic practice. Future trials should explore:
Long-term follow-up to assess sustainability of quality-of-life gains.
Mechanistic studies measuring inflammatory biomarkers and neuroendocrine changes.
Comparison against routine care (not just active controls) to isolate specific effects.
Combined interventions (e.g., Qigong + nutritional support) for synergistic outcomes.
Conclusion
The trial by Cheung et al. (2025) provides substantial evidence that Qigong significantly improves quality of life in older cancer survivors by enhancing psychological well-being, physical performance, and multidimensional frailty. Although Qigong was not statistically superior to an active control in reversing frailty, its holistic impact on well-being and its high adherence and safety profile make it an appealing option for cancer survivors seeking non-strenuous, integrative practices.
For clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, and complementary therapy providers, Qigong represents a promising pathway for empowering older cancer survivors to reclaim agency, mobility, and peace of mind. As healthcare systems move toward person-centered survivorship models, practices like Qigong will likely play an increasingly vital role in optimizing quality of life across the cancer care continuum.
Reference:
Cheung, D. S. T., Chan, W. L., Chau, P. H., Soong, I. S., Yeung, W. F., Lee, S. F., Siu, P. M., Woo, J., Yu, D. S. F., & Lin, C. C. (2025). The effect of qigong on frailty in older cancer survivors: A randomised controlled trial. Age and Ageing, 54(7), afaf184.
Like what you read? Keep exploring…
If this post resonated with you, you’ll love my book:
An Uncarved Life: A Daoist Guide to Struggle, Harmony, and Potential
This book blends timeless Daoist wisdom with real-world insight into how we can navigate struggle, cultivate inner peace, and live in alignment with our deeper potential. Drawing from classical texts like the Dao De Jing and integrating modern psychology and neuroscience, An Uncarved Life offers a grounded, poetic, and deeply personal guide to living well in a chaotic world.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, calm, or a more meaningful path forward, this book is a companion for anyone who wants to walk the Way with sincerity and strength.
Available now in print, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Click here to get your copy on Amazon