The MATCH Study: Mindfulness And Tai Chi for Cancer Health
NCT ID: NCT02801123
Last Updated: 2023-03-23
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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UNKNOWN
NA
600 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2016-08-29
2023-12-31
Brief Summary
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Objectives: (1) To compare MBCR and TCQ to each other and a waitlist control condition using an innovative, randomized, preference-based comparative effectiveness trial (CET) design that takes into account potential moderating factors that might predict differential response. (2) To investigate the impacts of MBCR and TCQ on a range of biological outcomes including immune processes, blood pressure, heart rate variability, stress hormones, cellular aging, and gene expression.
Methods: The study design is a preference-based multi-site randomized CET incorporating two Canadian sites (Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON). Participants (N total = 600). Participants with a preference for either MBCR or TCQ will get their preferred intervention; while those without a preference will be randomized into either of the two interventions. Within the preference and non-preference groups, participants will also be randomized into immediate intervention groups or a wait-list control. Outcome measures to be assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow up include psychological outcomes (mood, stress, mindfulness, spirituality, post-traumatic growth), QOL, symptoms (fatigue, sleep), physical function (strength, endurance), and exploratory analyses of biomarkers (cortisol slopes, cytokines, blood pressure/heart rate variability, telomere length, gene expression), and health economic measures.
Hypotheses: The investigators theorize that both MBCR and TCQ will improve outcomes amongst survivors relative to treatment as usual, particularly if patients have a strong preference for a particular intervention. Specifically, the investigators hypothesize that MBCR may be superior to TCQ on measures related to stress and mood. Conversely, TCQ may be superior to MBCR in improvement of physical and functional measures.
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Detailed Description
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Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Through an ongoing program of research the investigators adapted a group intervention based on intensive training in mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; MBSR) specifically for people with cancer, and called it Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), acknowledging the roots of the program but also that its form and content is somewhat different, and focused primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours, shortened from traditional MBSR based on practical logistical concerns and the needs of the study population. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Since 1998, the investigators have tested its efficacy in a wide range of studies and groups of people with cancer, beginning with psychological outcomes including stress symptoms, mood disturbance including anxiety, anger and depression, then expanding in scope and scale to assess effects on sleep disturbance and fatigue. The investigators also examined positive outcomes including post-traumatic growth, spirituality and benefit finding. To assess potential biological mechanisms of change, the investigators examined the effects of the program on biomarkers including blood pressure, inflammatory cytokines, stress hormones and most recently telomere length using increasingly sophisticated study designs, showing benefit across all of these measures. The investigators work on MBCR for cancer patients and survivors has spanned the spectrum of research from basic mechanistic research to clinical trials and implementation science. Others, as well, have studied MBSR with cancer patients, and several reviews and meta-analyses summarize its benefits across outcomes of anxiety, stress, mood disturbance and quality of life.
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) Work has also been done evaluating the efficacy of tai-chi and qigong in cancer care, and reviews are now available for both. Tai chi is a shortened name for Tai Chi Ch'uan, a form of martial art from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. In cancer care, a review of seven controlled trials in breast cancer patients concluded that while tai chi helped to improve psychological and physical health measures compared to usual care, compared to other active interventions it may not be superior. Overall in elderly samples, a larger body of research supports its efficacy for improving balance and preventing falls and improving overall psychological well-being, but larger studies with better designs are needed.
Similarly, a growing body of research suggests efficacy of qigong, a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi) or "intrinsic life energy". Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. A review of the literature including Chinese and Korean databases found 23 studies in cancer care. The most consistent benefits were seen on immune system function (reduced inflammation), improved mood, quality of life, and fatigue. As is the case with tai chi studies, randomized controlled trials with larger samples sizes are necessary to generalize findings. The study protocol incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles. For that reason the investigators call it Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ).
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
NONE
Study Groups
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Preference: MBCR (im)
Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to immediate treatment
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Preference: TCQ (im)
Individuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to immediate treatment
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
Preference: MBCR (wl)
Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to waitlist
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Preference: TCQ (wl)
Individuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to waitlist
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
No Preference: MBCR (im)
Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - immediate
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
No Preference: TCQ (im)
Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - immediate
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
No Preference: MBCR (wl)
Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - waitlist
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
No Preference: TCQ (wl)
Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - waitlist
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
Interventions
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Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
2. Diagnosed with any type of cancer (stage I-III) excluding head, neck, or brain
3. Completed active treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) at least 4 months previously (ongoing hormonal therapies, AIs, tamoxifen, herceptin are not exclusionary)
4. Experiencing significant distress (4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer)
5. Able to attend MBCR or TCQ classes at scheduled times
6. Sufficient functional capacity to participate in intervention groups (as judged by PAR-Q questionnaire, study staff, participant and participant's physician)
7. Ability to speak and write English sufficiently to complete questionnaires and participate in groups.
Exclusion Criteria
2. Cognitive impairment that would interfere with completing questionnaires or the intervention.
3. Suffering from current Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or other psychiatric disorder that would interfere with the ability to participate.
4. Currently engages in meditation or tai chi one or more times per week
5. Previous participation in MBCR program.
18 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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University of Calgary
OTHER
Alberta Health services
OTHER
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
OTHER
Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada
OTHER
Linda E. Carlson
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Linda E. Carlson
Professor, Department of Oncology
Principal Investigators
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Linda E Carlson, PhD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
University of Calgary, Cancer Control Alberta, Alberta Health Services
Locations
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Psychosocial Oncology, Cancer Control Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ELLICSR Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Countries
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References
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Carlson LE, Jones JM, Oberoi D, Piedalue KA, Wayne PM, Santa Mina D, Lawal OA, Speca M. Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study: Primary Outcomes of a Preference-Based Multisite Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Jul 20;43(21):2372-2386. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-02540. Epub 2025 Jun 12.
Other Identifiers
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HREBA-CC-16-0246
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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