Browsing by Author "Van Puymbroeck, M."

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    OA13.04. Physical health benefits of health Qigong and Energize programs in American elementary school classrooms
    (Springer Nature, 2012-06-12) Wang, C.; Seo, D.; Geib, R.; Wroblewski, N.; Van Puymbroeck, M.; Kolbe, L.; Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine
    Purpose: With the increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine, mind-body exercises (i.e., Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) have become more popular in the United States. In particular, numerous recent investigations have suggested the positive benefits of Qigong for cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal conditions, and stress. However, such research is largely limited to adults and the elderly. Few studies have explored the benefits of Qigong in the pediatric population. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate: (1) whether Health Qigong is effective, and (2) how effective it is compared with conventional exercise among elementary school children. Methods: A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design was used to assess the effects of three different modes of exercise: (1) aerobic exercise (Energize), (2) mind-body exercise (Health Qigong), and (3) conventional physical education (PE) activities, in terms of improving health during a 16-week intervention, as measured by Heart Rate (HR), Sit-and-Reach (SR), and Body Mass Index (BMI) in children. Results: One hundred and five children provided valid data from two elementary schools in Southern Indiana. Of the 105 students, 57 (35.2%) were boys. The average age was 9 years old. The repeated measures analyses of variance revealed a significant decrease in HR (F=70.54, p<.001, η2 =.409), SR (F=11.68, p<.001, η2 =.103), and BMI (F=41.97, p<.001, η2 =.292). In particular, BMI decreased more quickly from the Health Qigong group, with a mean change of 0.698 (p<.001), than the Energize (0.197, p<.05) and the PE group (0.224, p<.05). Conclusion: Health Qigong can be as effective as aerobic exercise and physical education activities in reducing HR and increasing SR among elementary school children. Given the significant reduction in BMI, Health Qigong should be further investigated on a possible mechanism to help lose body weight.
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    P03.15. Developing a Health Qigong program for children: a 16-week curriculum
    (Springer Nature, 2012-06-12) Wang, C.; Seo, D.; Geib, R.; Van Puymbroeck, M.; Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine
    Purpose: With the increasing use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the West, Qigong has gained popularity for a variety of chronic health issues. However, there is a paucity of available literature that has systematically described the details and teaching strategies of Qigong. The purpose of this paper is three-fold: to demonstrate how to structure lesson content, to provide efficient teaching strategies, and to increase understanding of the underlying mechanisms of such programs’ potential benefits. Methods: A comprehensive literature review and a five-step process based on a theoretical framework (i.e., a formative evaluation approach) were used to develop a Health Qigong for Children program. The procedures include: (1) identifying the program, (2) developing educational strategies, (3) teaching pilot lessons, (4) consulting experts, and (5) drafting the curriculum. Results: Sixteen theme-based lesson plans were generated based on two traditional Health Qigong forms. Five promising teaching strategies were synthesized: (1) using theme-based lesson plans, (2) building mind-body connections, (3) balancing repetition and creativity, (4) interweaving pictures, stories, volunteers, and teamwork, and (5) involving parents and school teachers. Suggestions from an expert panel and student volunteers were solicited and incorporated into the program, that is, changing TCM-Based names for each Qigong movement into new names related to plants, animals, or interesting objects, and integrating some fun facts about the plants or animals into each lesson. Conclusion: The use of a theoretical framework was not only innovative but also effective. The Health Qigong for Children program has been successfully applied at several local elementary schools. Theme-based lessons and effective teaching strategies helped the Health Qigong program to be fun and age-appropriate for children. Suggestions from experts in a variety of fields strengthened the program design. The newly developed curriculum needs to be replicated with larger and various pediatric populations.
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    Yoga after Stroke Leads to Multiple Physical Improvements
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2013-04-05) Schmid, A. A.; Miller, K. K.; Van Puymbroeck, M.; DeBaun, E. L.; Schalk, N.; Dierks, T. D.; Altenburger, P.; Damush, T.; Williams, Linda S.
    Methods: Forty-seven individuals with chronic stroke were recruited and randomized 3:1 to yoga or waitlist control (usual care). The yoga group completed one hour yoga sessions twice a week for 8 weeks. Yoga was taught by a yoga therapist and included modified physical postures in seated, standing, and supine positions and included yoga breathing, bilateral movements, concluding with relaxation. Assessments before and after the 8 weeks included: flexibility via passive range of motion (PROM) for the hamstrings (HS) and active range of motion (AROM) for hip flexion, cervical rotation, and cervical lateral flexion; strength with the chair to stand and arm curl and hip flexion manual muscle test; and walking capacity with the 6 minute walk test. We compared groups with a t-test/Mann Whitney. We used paired t-tests/Wilcoxon non-parametric tests to compare baseline and 8-week data.