Discussion
lumbar disorder, LBP, chronic musculoskeletal pain, pain
The present study was conducted to study a Zhineng Qigong intervention in terms of feasibility and subjective health outcomes in patients with chronic LBP and/or leg pain from lumbar disorder. Patients were recruited from orthopaedic clinics and primary healthcare, where postoperative patients were found to be the most feasible for involvement in a future RCT. Qigong is still rather unknown and there is limited evidence of its effects on pain, which might explain the difficulties recruiting and a retention rate lower than expected. Interestingly, all validated health outcomes were significantly improved (within-group) after this intervention.Three RCTs for chronic LBP were included in the literature review on qigong for chronic musculoskeletal pain [The retention rate was higher in the RCTs which were performed in Germany and Thailand. Compared to this study, some spine-related and additional medical conditions were to varying degrees excluded and there were restrictions in analgesic intake. This may indicate a more severe pain situation for the enrolled patients in the present study who also had leg pain, which probably contributed to difficulties participating. Furthermore, qigong may be more familiar to people in these countries [A clinical reasoning mentioned in the literature review, is that qigong through its postures and gentle movements performed with concentration and relaxation may reduce both physical and psychological symptoms, that may relieve pain and increase wellbeing [In qigong interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain several factors may possibly influence the results, including pain history, medical conditions, and qigong teacher characteristics and expertise [