The intervention
The intervention was conducted for 12 weeks with the European Zhineng Qigong school, with which all patients were unfamiliar. Both group activities and individual Zhineng Qigong training were part of the intervention. The group activities (in total 94 h) were held during 4 weekends (12 h each) and 2 evenings per week (2 h each). All group activities were performed face-to-face with the whole group and included lectures, demonstrations and training. An obligatory introductory lecture (2 h) on Zhineng Qigong was given the evening before the first weekend. The training was intensified step-by-step, in accordance with the qigong teacher’s experience. Daily individual training was recommended and was supported by an instructional compact disc (CD S-1, produced by the qigong school). Each patient received this CD.The training in the intervention consisted of dynamic Zhineng Qigong exercises, with soft patterns of movement which were never forcefully done. The exercises were performed standing up or sitting in a chair if needed. The training included physical movements with concentration and relaxation, with no breath control. The exercises aim to improve homeostasis, thereby achieving a healthier state. During the group activities the patients received detailed instructions about how to perform the exercises and the patients were carefully supervised, with their body postures and movements being corrected if needed. The patients also received instructions not to extend the movements beyond their individual physical ability. One teacher planned and led the intervention and was assisted by 3 additional teachers. All 4 teachers had several years of experience in both training and teaching Zhineng Qigong, having been educated and authorized by the main teacher of the qigong school, a qigong master.The group activities were performed in a non-healthcare setting in the city of Lund in Skåne, Sweden. The first author (GP) was present to passively observe the progress and reactions of the patients but did not contribute to the intervention.