title: A pilot study of Qigong for reducing cocaine craving early in recovery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study examined the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and determined the effect sizes of external qigong therapy (EQT) in reducing cue-elicited cocaine craving and associated symptoms among recently abstinent cocaine-dependent (CD) individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study randomized 101 CD subjects to either a real EQT (n=51) or sham EQT control (n=50) group. Subjects underwent a baseline assessment and a weekly cue-exposure session for 2 weeks. Total EQT or sham treatments ranged from 4 to 6 sessions in 2 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  EQT-treated subjects displayed a greater reduction in cue-elicited craving (p=0.06) and symptoms of depression (p<0.05) with medium effect sizes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated the feasibility of delivering EQT among CD individuals early in residential treatment. Future research should include a larger sample and examine the mechanisms and potential longitudinal benefits of EQT.
authors: Center for Health, Quality, Outcomes & Economic Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA 01730, USA. david.smelson@va.gov
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Smelson
authors: Kevin W
authors: KW
authors: Chen
authors: Douglas
authors: D
authors: Ziedonis
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Andes
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Lennox
authors: Lanora
authors: L
authors: Callahan
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Rodrigues
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Eisenberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003463:Cues; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine