human
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) experience a wide array of symptoms , including balance problems , mobility impairment , fatigue and depression . Physical exercise has recently been acknowledged as a treatment option complementary to medication . However , information regarding putative effects of structured exercise programs on neurological symptoms is sparse . Tai Chi , a Chinese martial art incorporating physical exercise and mindfulness training , has been shown to yield health benefits in various neurological groups . It seems particularly suitable for patients with motoric deficits as it challenges coordination and balance . The purpose of the current study was to explore the therapeutic value of structured Tai Chi training for coordination , balance , fatigue and depression in mildly disabled MS patients . Methods A sample of 32 MS patients ( Exp and ed Disability Status Scale , EDSS < 5 ) was examined . A structured Tai Chi course was devised and a Tai Chi group participated in two weekly sessions of 90 minutes duration for six months , while a comparison group received treatment as usual ( TAU ) . Both groups were examined prior to and following the six-months interval with regards to balance and coordination performance as well as measures of fatigue , depression and life satisfaction . Results Following the intervention , the Tai Chi group showed significant , consistent improvements in balance , coordination , and depression , relative to the TAU group ( range of effect-sizes : partial η2 = 0.16 – 0.20 ) . Additionally , life satisfaction improved ( partial η2 = 0.31 ) . Fatigue deteriorated in the comparison group , whereas it remained relatively stable in the Tai Chi group ( partial η2 = 0.24 ) . Conclusions The consistent pattern of results confirms that Tai Chi holds therapeutic potential for MS patients . Further research is needed to determine underlying working mechanisms , and to verify the results in a larger sample and different MS subgroups Background Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue , mood , and sleep disturbances .  Purpose This study aims to compare a meditative movement practice , Qigong/Tai Chi Easy ( QG/TCE ) with sham Qigong ( SQG ) , testing effects of meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors ’ persistent fatigue and other symptoms . Methods This double-blind , r and omized controlled trial tested 12 weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue , depression , and sleep among 87 postmenopausal , fatigued breast cancer survivors , stages 0–III , age 40–75 .  Results Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to control at post-intervention ( p = 0.005 ) and 3 months follow-up ( p = 0.024 ) , but not depression and sleep quality . Improvement occurred over time for both interventions in depression and sleep quality ( all p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions QG/TCE showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG  for fatigue , but not depression or sleep . Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent symptoms among breast cancer survivors , depression and sleep dysfunction OBJECTIVE Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program for community participants with arthritis . METHODS 343 individuals were r and omized to either the intervention or wait-list control group .  Performance and self-reported outcome ( SRO ) measures were assessed at baseline and eight weeks . At one year , SROs only were assessed . Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates , and effect sizes ( ES ) were calculated . RESULTS Average participant age was 66 years , 87 % were female , and 87 % were Caucasian . Among 284 ( 83 % ) participants who returned at eight weeks , balance by reach ( ES = 0.30 ) and helplessness , sleep , and role participation satisfaction ( ES = 0.24 - 0.54 ) improved significantly ; pain , fatigue , and stiffness improvement ( ES = 0.15 - 0.23 ) approached significance . No change was noted in mobility , lower extremity strength , or single-leg stance balance . At one year , improvements in pain , fatigue , stiffness , helplessness , and role participation satisfaction at eight weeks were maintained ; 30 % continued tai chi practice . CONCLUSION Moderate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program was confirmed Background Cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) is a common and often long-lasting symptom for many breast cancer survivors . Evidence for its management is scarce . However , the Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) Shu Gan Jian Pi ( SGJP ) granules is an effective and practical therapy for CRF . Methods / Design We will conduct a multicenter , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine whether the SGJP granules can effectively manage CRF . Breast cancer survivors experiencing fatigue within 5 years of primary treatment completion will be enrolled and r and omly assigned to Group S ( SGJP ) or Group P ( placebo ) . The primary outcome measures will include Revised Piper Fatigue Scale score . Outcome measures will be collected at baseline and at weeks 2 , 4 , and 8 . Discussion This study ’s findings may contribute to the development of an effective intervention for CRF.Trial registration Current controlled trials IS RCT N12702489 , 14 August , 2013 Background . Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is a chronic demyelinating neurological disease . Several studies have reported that complementary and alternative therapies can have positive effects against pain in these patients . Objective . The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of an Ai-Chi aquatic exercise program against pain and other symptoms in MS patients . Methods . In this r and omized controlled trial , 73 MS patients were r and omly assigned to an experimental or control group for a 20-week treatment program . The experimental group underwent 40 sessions of Ai-Chi exercise in swimming pool and the control group 40 sessions of abdominal breathing and contraction-relaxation exercises in therapy room . Outcome variables were pain , disability , spasm , depression , fatigue , and autonomy , which were assessed before the intervention and immediately and at 4 and 10 weeks after the last treatment session . Results . The experimental group showed a significant ( P < 0.028 ) and clinical ly relevant decrease in pain intensity versus baseline , with an immediate posttreatment reduction in median visual analogue scale scores of 50 % that was maintained for up to 10 weeks . Significant improvements were also observed in spasm , fatigue , disability , and autonomy . Conclusion . According to these findings , an Ai-Chi aquatic exercise program improves pain , spasms , disability , fatigue , depression , and autonomy in MS patients This study examined the effects of Tai Chi , a low-impact mind-body movement therapy , on severity of depression , anxiety , and stress symptoms in central ly obese people with elevated depression symptoms . In total , 213 participants were r and omized to a 24-week Tai Chi intervention program or a wait-list control group . Assessment s were conducted at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks . Outcomes were severity of depression , anxiety , and stress symptoms , leg strength , central obesity , and other measures of metabolic symptom . There were statistically significant between-group differences in favor of the Tai Chi group in depression ( mean difference = −5.6 units , P < 0.001 ) , anxiety ( −2.3 units , P < 0.01 ) , and stress ( −3.6 units , P < 0.001 ) symptom scores and leg strength ( 1.1 units , P < 0.001 ) at 12 weeks . These changes were further improved or maintained in the Tai Chi group relative to the control group during the second 12 weeks of follow-up . Tai Chi appears to be beneficial for reducing severity of depression , anxiety , and stress and leg strength in central ly obese people with depression symptoms . More studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the findings . This trial is registered with ACTRN12613000010796 BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure ( HF ) and with elevated depression symptoms are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality . Somatic symptoms of depression are particularly prevalent in HF and are related to worse disease prognosis . T'ai chi practice is related to increased emotional well-being in various clinical population s ; however , relatively little is known about t'ai chi 's effects on somatic versus cognitive symptom dimensions of depression in HF . PURPOSE The objective of the study was to measure whether a t'ai chi intervention effectively reduces somatic and /or cognitive symptoms of depression in patients with HF . METHODS Patients with HF were assigned to either t'ai chi training ( n=16 ) or a usual-care group ( n=12 ) . At baseline and after the 12-week intervention period , participants were evaluated for changes in depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) total scores ( BDI-t ) and subcategorized scores of BDI-somatic ( BDI-s ) and BDI-cognitive ( BDI-c ) , and for symptoms of fatigue using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form . RESULTS Patients with HF in the t'ai chi group compared to the  usual-care  group had reduced BDI-s ( p≤0.017 ) , but not BDI-c ( p=0.50 ) scores from pre- to postintervention . Although t'ai chi did not significantly reduce fatigue , changes in physical fatigue ( p≤0.05 ) were independently associated with changes in BDI-t scores . CONCLUSIONS T'ai chi practice  reduced somatic symptoms of depression , which have been linked to worse prognosis in HF . Reductions in fatigue appear to explain some but not all of the reductions in somatic symptoms of depression BACKGROUND Epidemiologic data is available on chronic fatigue for Western , but not for Chinese population s. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of chronic fatigue in the general population of Hong Kong , compare health and lifestyle characteristics of non-chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue cases , and identify risk factors for chronic fatigue . METHODS We performed telephone interviews on 5001 r and omly selected Chinese adults aged ≥18 years administering the Chinese version of Chronic Fatigue Scale ( ChCFS ) , the  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ) , and quality of life ( QoL ) indexed by Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Health Survey ( SF12 ) . Lifestyle , and sociodemographic data were also collected . Chronic fatigue was defined according to Fukuda et al. 's ( 1994 ) criteria and case criterion was a ChCFS total scores ≥4 . RESULTS The weighted prevalence of chronic fatigue was 10.7 % , which was equivalent to 0.6 million adults in Hong Kong . Higher prevalence rates were found in females , older age groups , and low socioeconomic status . Fully adjusted stepwise regression analyses identified older age , retirees , housewife , existing long-term health problems , higher HADS scores , poor QoL , and low self-perceived health to be significantly associated with increased risk of chronic fatigue , whereas regular exercise was associated with decreased risk of chronic fatigue ( all p<0.05 ) . LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design did not allow determination of the time course and causal relationship between chronic fatigue and associated factors . CONCLUSIONS Our data evidence d that chronic fatigue is common in the general population of Hong Kong , and the prevalence increased with age and was higher in the women and lower socioeconomic population OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial . Subjects were in three r and omly assigned groups : Tai chi Qigong group , exercise group , and control group . SETTING The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics . INTERVENTIONS Tai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program . Exercise group practice d breathing and walking as an exercise . Control group received usual care . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions . Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels , number of exacerbations and hospital admissions . RESULTS Tai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity ( P<.001 ) from baseline to the sixth month . The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters ( + 17 % ) . No significant changes were noted in the other two groups . Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions ( P<.001 ) . Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l ( + 11 % ) . No significant change was noted in the exercise group . Deterioration was found in the control group , with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l ( -5.67 % ) . Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group . No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups . CONCLUSIONS Tai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients CONTEXT Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise . It has been shown to enhance mental health and improve psychological condition . OBJECTIVES We aim ed to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise for cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy . METHODS We conducted a r and omized trial of Tai Chi exercise as compared with low-impact exercise as a control intervention . Exercises were practice d every other day , a one-hour session for 12 weeks for each of the study groups . The primary end point was a change in total score of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form ( MFSI-SF ) . Secondary 
    Output:
    
agent
The results suggest that Tai Chi could be an effective alternative and /or complementary approach to existing therapies for people with fatigue .
There is still absence of adverse events data to evaluate the safety of Tai Chi .
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) experience a wide array of symptoms , including balance problems , mobility impairment , fatigue and depression . Physical exercise has recently been acknowledged as a treatment option complementary to medication . However , information regarding putative effects of structured exercise programs on neurological symptoms is sparse . Tai Chi , a Chinese martial art incorporating physical exercise and mindfulness training , has been shown to yield health benefits in various neurological groups . It seems particularly suitable for patients with motoric deficits as it challenges coordination and balance . The purpose of the current study was to explore the therapeutic value of structured Tai Chi training for coordination , balance , fatigue and depression in mildly disabled MS patients . Methods A sample of 32 MS patients ( Exp and ed Disability Status Scale , EDSS < 5 ) was examined . A structured Tai Chi course was devised and a Tai Chi group participated in two weekly sessions of 90 minutes duration for six months , while a comparison group received treatment as usual ( TAU ) . Both groups were examined prior to and following the six-months interval with regards to balance and coordination performance as well as measures of fatigue , depression and life satisfaction . Results Following the intervention , the Tai Chi group showed significant , consistent improvements in balance , coordination , and depression , relative to the TAU group ( range of effect-sizes : partial η2 = 0.16 – 0.20 ) . Additionally , life satisfaction improved ( partial η2 = 0.31 ) . Fatigue deteriorated in the comparison group , whereas it remained relatively stable in the Tai Chi group ( partial η2 = 0.24 ) . Conclusions The consistent pattern of results confirms that Tai Chi holds therapeutic potential for MS patients . Further research is needed to determine underlying working mechanisms , and to verify the results in a larger sample and different MS subgroups Background Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue , mood , and sleep disturbances .  Purpose This study aims to compare a meditative movement practice , Qigong/Tai Chi Easy ( QG/TCE ) with sham Qigong ( SQG ) , testing effects of meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors ’ persistent fatigue and other symptoms . Methods This double-blind , r and omized controlled trial tested 12 weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue , depression , and sleep among 87 postmenopausal , fatigued breast cancer survivors , stages 0–III , age 40–75 .  Results Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to control at post-intervention ( p = 0.005 ) and 3 months follow-up ( p = 0.024 ) , but not depression and sleep quality . Improvement occurred over time for both interventions in depression and sleep quality ( all p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions QG/TCE showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG  for fatigue , but not depression or sleep . Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent symptoms among breast cancer survivors , depression and sleep dysfunction OBJECTIVE Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program for community participants with arthritis . METHODS 343 individuals were r and omized to either the intervention or wait-list control group .  Performance and self-reported outcome ( SRO ) measures were assessed at baseline and eight weeks . At one year , SROs only were assessed . Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates , and effect sizes ( ES ) were calculated . RESULTS Average participant age was 66 years , 87 % were female , and 87 % were Caucasian . Among 284 ( 83 % ) participants who returned at eight weeks , balance by reach ( ES = 0.30 ) and helplessness , sleep , and role participation satisfaction ( ES = 0.24 - 0.54 ) improved significantly ; pain , fatigue , and stiffness improvement ( ES = 0.15 - 0.23 ) approached significance . No change was noted in mobility , lower extremity strength , or single-leg stance balance . At one year , improvements in pain , fatigue , stiffness , helplessness , and role participation satisfaction at eight weeks were maintained ; 30 % continued tai chi practice . CONCLUSION Moderate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program was confirmed Background Cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) is a common and often long-lasting symptom for many breast cancer survivors . Evidence for its management is scarce . However , the Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) Shu Gan Jian Pi ( SGJP ) granules is an effective and practical therapy for CRF . Methods / Design We will conduct a multicenter , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine whether the SGJP granules can effectively manage CRF . Breast cancer survivors experiencing fatigue within 5 years of primary treatment completion will be enrolled and r and omly assigned to Group S ( SGJP ) or Group P ( placebo ) . The primary outcome measures will include Revised Piper Fatigue Scale score . Outcome measures will be collected at baseline and at weeks 2 , 4 , and 8 . Discussion This study ’s findings may contribute to the development of an effective intervention for CRF.Trial registration Current controlled trials IS RCT N12702489 , 14 August , 2013 Background . Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is a chronic demyelinating neurological disease . Several studies have reported that complementary and alternative therapies can have positive effects against pain in these patients . Objective . The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of an Ai-Chi aquatic exercise program against pain and other symptoms in MS patients . Methods . In this r and omized controlled trial , 73 MS patients were r and omly assigned to an experimental or control group for a 20-week treatment program . The experimental group underwent 40 sessions of Ai-Chi exercise in swimming pool and the control group 40 sessions of abdominal breathing and contraction-relaxation exercises in therapy room . Outcome variables were pain , disability , spasm , depression , fatigue , and autonomy , which were assessed before the intervention and immediately and at 4 and 10 weeks after the last treatment session . Results . The experimental group showed a significant ( P < 0.028 ) and clinical ly relevant decrease in pain intensity versus baseline , with an immediate posttreatment reduction in median visual analogue scale scores of 50 % that was maintained for up to 10 weeks . Significant improvements were also observed in spasm , fatigue , disability , and autonomy . Conclusion . According to these findings , an Ai-Chi aquatic exercise program improves pain , spasms , disability , fatigue , depression , and autonomy in MS patients This study examined the effects of Tai Chi , a low-impact mind-body movement therapy , on severity of depression , anxiety , and stress symptoms in central ly obese people with elevated depression symptoms . In total , 213 participants were r and omized to a 24-week Tai Chi intervention program or a wait-list control group . Assessment s were conducted at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks . Outcomes were severity of depression , anxiety , and stress symptoms , leg strength , central obesity , and other measures of metabolic symptom . There were statistically significant between-group differences in favor of the Tai Chi group in depression ( mean difference = −5.6 units , P < 0.001 ) , anxiety ( −2.3 units , P < 0.01 ) , and stress ( −3.6 units , P < 0.001 ) symptom scores and leg strength ( 1.1 units , P < 0.001 ) at 12 weeks . These changes were further improved or maintained in the Tai Chi group relative to the control group during the second 12 weeks of follow-up . Tai Chi appears to be beneficial for reducing severity of depression , anxiety , and stress and leg strength in central ly obese people with depression symptoms . More studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the findings . This trial is registered with ACTRN12613000010796 BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure ( HF ) and with elevated depression symptoms are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality . Somatic symptoms of depression are particularly prevalent in HF and are related to worse disease prognosis . T'ai chi practice is related to increased emotional well-being in various clinical population s ; however , relatively little is known about t'ai chi 's effects on somatic versus cognitive symptom dimensions of depression in HF . PURPOSE The objective of the study was to measure whether a t'ai chi intervention effectively reduces somatic and /or cognitive symptoms of depression in patients with HF . METHODS Patients with HF were assigned to either t'ai chi training ( n=16 ) or a usual-care group ( n=12 ) . At baseline and after the 12-week intervention period , participants were evaluated for changes in depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) total scores ( BDI-t ) and subcategorized scores of BDI-somatic ( BDI-s ) and BDI-cognitive ( BDI-c ) , and for symptoms of fatigue using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form . RESULTS Patients with HF in the t'ai chi group compared to the  usual-care  group had reduced BDI-s ( p≤0.017 ) , but not BDI-c ( p=0.50 ) scores from pre- to postintervention . Although t'ai chi did not significantly reduce fatigue , changes in physical fatigue ( p≤0.05 ) were independently associated with changes in BDI-t scores . CONCLUSIONS T'ai chi practice  reduced somatic symptoms of depression , which have been linked to worse prognosis in HF . Reductions in fatigue appear to explain some but not all of the reductions in somatic symptoms of depression BACKGROUND Epidemiologic data is available on chronic fatigue for Western , but not for Chinese population s. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of chronic fatigue in the general population of Hong Kong , compare health and lifestyle characteristics of non-chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue cases , and identify risk factors for chronic fatigue . METHODS We performed telephone interviews on 5001 r and omly selected Chinese adults aged ≥18 years administering the Chinese version of Chronic Fatigue Scale ( ChCFS ) , the  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ) , and quality of life ( QoL ) indexed by Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Health Survey ( SF12 ) . Lifestyle , and sociodemographic data were also collected . Chronic fatigue was defined according to Fukuda et al. 's ( 1994 ) criteria and case criterion was a ChCFS total scores ≥4 . RESULTS The weighted prevalence of chronic fatigue was 10.7 % , which was equivalent to 0.6 million adults in Hong Kong . Higher prevalence rates were found in females , older age groups , and low socioeconomic status . Fully adjusted stepwise regression analyses identified older age , retirees , housewife , existing long-term health problems , higher HADS scores , poor QoL , and low self-perceived health to be significantly associated with increased risk of chronic fatigue , whereas regular exercise was associated with decreased risk of chronic fatigue ( all p<0.05 ) . LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design did not allow determination of the time course and causal relationship between chronic fatigue and associated factors . CONCLUSIONS Our data evidence d that chronic fatigue is common in the general population of Hong Kong , and the prevalence increased with age and was higher in the women and lower socioeconomic population OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial . Subjects were in three r and omly assigned groups : Tai chi Qigong group , exercise group , and control group . SETTING The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics . INTERVENTIONS Tai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program . Exercise group practice d breathing and walking as an exercise . Control group received usual care . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions . Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels , number of exacerbations and hospital admissions . RESULTS Tai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity ( P<.001 ) from baseline to the sixth month . The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters ( + 17 % ) . No significant changes were noted in the other two groups . Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions ( P<.001 ) . Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l ( + 11 % ) . No significant change was noted in the exercise group . Deterioration was found in the control group , with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l ( -5.67 % ) . Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group . No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups . CONCLUSIONS Tai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients CONTEXT Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise . It has been shown to enhance mental health and improve psychological condition . OBJECTIVES We aim ed to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise for cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy . METHODS We conducted a r and omized trial of Tai Chi exercise as compared with low-impact exercise as a control intervention . Exercises were practice d every other day , a one-hour session for 12 weeks for each of the study groups . The primary end point was a change in total score of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form ( MFSI-SF ) . Secondary 
    Output:
    