Bakgrund: Typ 2-diabetes är en sjukdom som i ökar Sverige. En viktig uppgift som sjuksköterskan har är att motivera patienter med typ 2-diabetes till livsstilsförändringar vad gäller kost, motion, rökavvänjning och stresshantering och får dessutom skriva ut fysisk aktivitet på recept. Intresset för komplementär och alternativ medicin (KAM) ökar i västvärlden. Syfte: Syftet med föreliggande studie var att belysa möjliga effekter av yoga, tai chi och qigong på ett urval objektiva och subjektiva parametrar hos vuxna personer med eller med risk för typ 2-diabetes. Metod: Litteraturöversikt, baserad på 17 vetenskapliga studier. En innehållsanalys gjordes för att sammanställa materialet och studera likheter och skillnader. Resultat: Yoga, tai chi och qigong hade i vissa fall positiva effekter på parametrarna blodglykos, lipider, kroppsmått, blodtryck, fysiskt och psykiskt välbefinnande, vitalitet, stresshantering, och motivation för egenvård. Diskussion: Att ställa de olika studiernas resultat mot varandra var inte möjligt på grund av att de skiljde sig från varandra vad gäller urval, design och intervention. Då dessa mind-body-terapier ej är vetenskapligt bevisade får de inte rekommenderas av sjuksköterskor. Dock åligger det sjuksköterskor enligt Socialstyrelsens kompetensbeskrivning att inspirera till dialog om införande av ny kunskap. Slutsats: Innan rekommendationer kan ges bör effekten av de olika teknikerna undersökas närmare.

In many countries physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are identified as major public health problems. A general health goal is therefore to promote an active lifestyle throughout the entire life span. The reasons given for not adopting a physically active lifestyle and/or taking part in vigorous exercise include old age, negative social and physical environments, physical disability and other health related issues. Qigong exercise, a low-intensity Chinese self-care method, has therefore been suggested as an alternative activity to vigorous exercise. There is, however, little knowledge about leisure-time qigong exercisers and their reasons for adherence. The general aim of this thesis was therefore to explore leisure-time medical qigong and those practicing it, and to examine how individuals’ motivation and intention to exercise are related to their actual exercise in daily life. Behavioural changes towards an active lifestyle will be discussed from both medical qigong and exercise psychology perspectives. Suggestions are then summarized into a qigong-based Wellness Coaching Model. Participants were recruited from a qigong association and introductory qigong courses. Data were collected by questionnaires and were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The reasons given for leisure-time medical qigong exercise were to aid recovery from illness and to preserve health. Participants in the low-intensity qigong exercise group studied were somewhat older, and their main reason for participating was to achieve a general feeling of wellness. As a group they had mainly low-stress levels and were highly energized. Concentration on qi-flow during exercise correlates positively with improved health feelings, and exercise is performed with deep mindful concentration three to six times per week for an average of thirty minutes. Perceived stress correlates negatively with health, energy and exercise behaviour suggesting that stress has to be managed in order for wellness to emerge. Intrinsically motivated exercisers are more concentrated, and perceive their stress as lower than that of their more externally motivated counterparts. Strong behaviour intentions are significantly correlated with actual exercise frequency. When exercise is performed in a qigong state, with a heightened level of concentration, adherence is higher than otherwise is the case. Results suggest that health-professionals aiming to secure qigong exercise adherence should stimulate feelings of wellness as an intrinsic motive for exercise, strengthen the individuals’ intention to exercise, and promote a calm energy state (low-stress and high energy) before commencement of exercise.

Qigong is a Chinese mind-body therapy that aims to, through the use of movements, relaxed breathing and relaxation/meditation, create a healthy flow of life force, qi, in the body, and consequently improve health. A growing number of Qigong studies report beneficial effects on health and well-being. However, little attention has fo-cused on the acute affective responses that accompany single sessions of Qigong ex-ercise. The aim of the present thesis was therefore to study affective reactions to Qigong exercise. In Study I, the effects of Qigong exercise on mood and anxiety were compared to a control group. Results showed partial support for the superiority of Qigong exercise compared to controls. In Study II, different lengths of session time were compared, resulting in similar affective benefits for the 30 and 60-minute ses-sions. In Study III, affective responses were also assessed during the session, using mean scores and individual responses. Results showed an increase toward greater Activated and Deactivated Pleasantness during the session, with the greatest changes at the end of the bout. The majority of individuals reported increased Pleasantness during the Qigong session. Expectations of positive outcomes were significantly as-sociated with only few affective responses. Responses to open-ended questions of af-fective experiences displayed affective reactions mostly toward greater Deactivated Pleasantness. This thesis contributes to a greater understanding of the limited area of Qigong-related affective responses. For the exercisers, Qigong is associated with a greater momentary emotional state. However, due to the highly select group of regu-lar Qigong exercisers, generalizing the results outside the sample population is lim-ited. Theories on active mechanisms in the Qigong-affect relationship, and results from studies of affective responses to similar activities, suggest that other groups of people would also benefit affectively from Qigong exercise. Given the many benefits of positive affect, Qigong exercise may also pose great promises for the enhancement of other areas related to health and well-being. This calls for additional studies.

abstract: Weight gain and unfavorable body composition are prevalent among midlife and older women; shifts in these characteristics can have detrimental implications on emotional and physical health and longevity. Efforts to attenuate weight-related factors detailing the potential development of obesity are traditionally driven by manipulation of nutrition and/or physical activity; however, sustained results are limited. Novel and integrative approaches are needed to reduce the burden of adverse changes in weight and associated consequences. This dissertation is built around a model of effects of Tai Chi/Qigong in body composition and a pilot test of this intervention and model factors in a group of midlife/older women (N = 36). Three resulting manuscripts include: 1) a proposed biobehavioral model detailing how a Tai Chi/Qigong intervention may improve weight-related outcomes through psychological, behavioral, and physiological pathways, 2) a paper examining pre- to post- intervention differences in the primary outcomes of percent body fat, sleep quality, and emotional eating and the exploratory outcomes of perceived stress, mood state, mindfulness, self-compassion and body awareness; and 3) an exploratory analysis examining correlations between primary (sleep quality, emotional eating), exploratory (perceived stress, mood state, mindfulness, self-compassion and body awareness), and neurophysiological (heart rate variability) outcomes of interest—further, regression models were conducted to explore the predictive value of the independent variables on the dependent variables and associated changes. In manuscript two, dependent t-tests were used to assess pre/post-differences (percent body fat and survey measures); this single group study (8-weeks of Tai Chi/Qigong) did not have a control group. Results of manuscript two demonstrate significant changes in sleep quality (p = .04), perceived stress (p = .05), and body awareness (p = .01). Findings of manuscript three indicate changes in the dependent variable of sleep quality were partially explained by perceived stress (adjusted R2 = 13.4%) and changes in the dependent variable of emotional eating were significantly explained by self-compassion (adjusted R2 = 42.1%). In the context of weight gain and unfavorable body composition in midlife/older women, results of this pilot study, using a standardized Tai Chi/Qigong intervention, indicate that select psycho-emotional factors may be important to explore further. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Nursing and Healthcare Innovation 2019

Introduction Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical practice, performed since approximately 2000 B.C. Qigong constitutes one of five main pillars in TCM and is a method of meditation, exercise as well as self-medication. Basic tenets of TCM is the body existing in balance with Qi (life-energy) and its emphasis on holistic dynamic processes over material structure. A lot of research has been done on the positive health effects of Qigong, although it is unclear whether the evidence situation is judged to be sufficient to prove Qigong effective. Objective To investigate the arguments for and against acceptance of Qigong in Swedish Healthcare Methods This is a qualitative study that followed the hermeneutical method, as well as the normative ethical theory, of study-design and data analysis. Searches of grey literature and electronic databases (Pubmed, Cochrane) were performed, serving the purpose to collect different perspectives. The selection of sources was based on relevance to the aim. Data emerged was analysed in order to investigate the most relevant ethical arguments for and against integration of Qigong in the Swedish healthcare. Results Main arguments against acceptance of Qigong were: “Traditional Chinese Medicine’s underlying philosophy stand in opposition to scientific worldview”, “Lack of strong evidence”, “Complementary and Alternative Medicine lead people away from Evidence Based Medicine”, and “Economical incentive and bias in Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Qigong”.Main arguments for acceptance of Qigong were: “Extensive proven experience”, “Further acceptance and integration may increase patient safety and promote research”, and “Qigong is risk-free and highly available at low cost” Conclusion A strong argument against acceptance of Qigong is “lack of strong evidence”. Strong arguments for acceptance of Qigong are “further acceptance and integration may promote research” and “Qigong is risk-free and highly available at low cost”. Thus, strong arguments are found for, as well as against, integration of Qigong in Swedish established healthcare. The balance between these strong arguments, however, will have to be discussed further, as there is no obvious right answer.

No / Dementia is a common illness that is increasing in frequency and set to challenge the resources and expertise of health and social care services over the coming years. Increasingly, there has been interest in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), as they are both common and associated with a range of negative outcomes. BPSD are associated with the admission of people with dementia to care homes. Limited resources and lack of knowledge in permanent care settings often lead to BPSD being managed with antipsychotic medications, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is evidence for the benefits of exercise within care home settings, although only a few studies include those with cognitive impairment. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining relaxed physical movement and meditation, and has been suggested to have many health benefits. This article discusses the rationale and available options for treating BPSD and the current practice and reviews the literature regarding the benefits of exercise and, in particular, Tai Chi in the management of BPSD.

<p>Syftet med detta arbete var att beskriva vilka metoder för stresshantering personal på olika företagshälsovårder upplever att de använder sig av för att hjälpa kunder med stressrelaterade problem, samt vad deras egen uppfattning av anledningen är till den/de valda metoderna.</p><p> </p><p>Genom kvalitativa intervjuer med fem personer med olika professioner på olika företagshälsovårder i Mellansverige undersöktes stresshantering. Det som frågades i intervjuerna var informanternas upplevelser av vilka stresshanteringsmetoder som används, anledningarna till användandet och anpassningar efter kunder. Någonting annat som undersöktes i studien var likheter och skillnader mellan de olika professionerna.</p><p> </p><p>Resultatet visade att avslappning var den vanligaste angivna metoden, strax före kroppskännedom, qigong, motion, medicin, mindfulness och massage. Andra verktyg informanterna uppgav att de använde sig av var samtal, förklaringar av kroppens reaktioner på stress, kartläggningssamtal, snabb tillbakagång till arbete samt positiva tankar och känslor. De beskrivna anledningarna till användandet av metoderna var främst upplevelsen av att de fungerade. Andra anledningar var vetenskapliga bevis på att de fungerar, utbildning i metoden, enkla att implementera samt tydliggörande för kunden.</p> / <p>The aim of this study was to describe what methods for stress management staff on occupational health services perceive they use to help clients with stress related problems, and what there appreciation of reason is on choosing these methods.</p><p> </p><p>Through qualitative interviews with five people with different professions in different occupational health services of Central Sweden stress management was investigated. The things that were questioned in the interviews were the interviewees experience in which stress management methods they use, the reasons of the using and the adaption after clients. One other thing that was investigated was similarities and differences between the different professions. </p><p> </p><p>The result showed that relaxation were the most common method used, right before body awareness, qigong, physical exercise, medicine, mindfulness and massage. Other tools the interviewees informed they were using was conversation, explanations of the body reaction on stress, conversation to map the clients situation, a quick way back to work and positive thoughts and feelings. The interviewees described reasons to use the methods were mainly the experience that they work. Other reasons were scientific evidence that the methods work, education in the method, simplicity in implement them and clarification for clients.</p>

Syftet med detta arbete var att beskriva vilka metoder för stresshantering personal på olika företagshälsovårder upplever att de använder sig av för att hjälpa kunder med stressrelaterade problem, samt vad deras egen uppfattning av anledningen är till den/de valda metoderna.   Genom kvalitativa intervjuer med fem personer med olika professioner på olika företagshälsovårder i Mellansverige undersöktes stresshantering. Det som frågades i intervjuerna var informanternas upplevelser av vilka stresshanteringsmetoder som används, anledningarna till användandet och anpassningar efter kunder. Någonting annat som undersöktes i studien var likheter och skillnader mellan de olika professionerna.   Resultatet visade att avslappning var den vanligaste angivna metoden, strax före kroppskännedom, qigong, motion, medicin, mindfulness och massage. Andra verktyg informanterna uppgav att de använde sig av var samtal, förklaringar av kroppens reaktioner på stress, kartläggningssamtal, snabb tillbakagång till arbete samt positiva tankar och känslor. De beskrivna anledningarna till användandet av metoderna var främst upplevelsen av att de fungerade. Andra anledningar var vetenskapliga bevis på att de fungerar, utbildning i metoden, enkla att implementera samt tydliggörande för kunden. / The aim of this study was to describe what methods for stress management staff on occupational health services perceive they use to help clients with stress related problems, and what there appreciation of reason is on choosing these methods.   Through qualitative interviews with five people with different professions in different occupational health services of Central Sweden stress management was investigated. The things that were questioned in the interviews were the interviewees experience in which stress management methods they use, the reasons of the using and the adaption after clients. One other thing that was investigated was similarities and differences between the different professions.    The result showed that relaxation were the most common method used, right before body awareness, qigong, physical exercise, medicine, mindfulness and massage. Other tools the interviewees informed they were using was conversation, explanations of the body reaction on stress, conversation to map the clients situation, a quick way back to work and positive thoughts and feelings. The interviewees described reasons to use the methods were mainly the experience that they work. Other reasons were scientific evidence that the methods work, education in the method, simplicity in implement them and clarification for clients.

Syftet med mitt arbete var att undersöka lärares upplevelser av att införa och arbeta med projektet ”Drömmen om det godas” metoder – stillhet, massage, qigong och reflekterande samtal.  Jag har gjort intervjuundersökningar för att ta reda på hur lärare som undervisar eleverna i någon eller några av dessa tekniker uppfattar sitt arbete. Jag var  intresserad av att se vad som motiverar lärare att arbeta med metoderna och på vilket sätt lärarna motiverar eleverna att delta i arbetet, samt vilka svårigheter lärarna upplever och hur dessa svårigheter löses. Jag har intervjuat 5 lärare som på olika sätt arbetar med ”Drömmen om det godas” metoder. Efter intervjuerna har jag bearbetat mina data kvalitativt för att få en djupare förståelse för respondenternas tankar. Resultatet visar att  lärarna påtalar att vi idag lever i en stressig miljö och att det för många elever är viktigt hur de ser ut och hur de beter sig. Genom att arbeta med ”Drömmen om det godas metoder” anser samtliga lärare att eleverna blir lugnare, vilket resulterar i att de har lättare för att koncentrera sig och fokusera på skolarbetet. Lärarna menar vidare att stämningen i klassen påverkas positivt. Flera av lärarna menar också att de själva påverkas positivt av träningen. Vissa elever har svårare än andra att koncentrera sig på träningen, vilket skapar svårigheter och problem. Andra problem kan vara vilka elever som ska samarbeta vid klassrumsmassagen. För att komma över svårigheter krävs motiverade och tydliga lärare som kan samtala med och lyssna på eleverna samt återskapa ett intresse hos eleverna när motivationen tryter. Resultatet visar också att det är viktigt att elever samt lärare är väl förberedda och motiverade när arbetet påbörjas.

<p><strong></strong></p><p>Syftet med mitt arbete var att undersöka lärares upplevelser av att införa och arbeta med projektet ”Drömmen om det godas” metoder – stillhet, massage, qigong och reflekterande samtal.  Jag har gjort intervjuundersökningar för att ta reda på hur lärare som undervisar eleverna i någon eller några av dessa tekniker uppfattar sitt arbete. Jag var  intresserad av att se vad som motiverar lärare att arbeta med metoderna och på vilket sätt lärarna motiverar eleverna att delta i arbetet, samt vilka svårigheter lärarna upplever och hur dessa svårigheter löses. Jag har intervjuat 5 lärare som på olika sätt arbetar med ”Drömmen om det godas” metoder. Efter intervjuerna har jag bearbetat mina data kvalitativt för att få en djupare förståelse för respondenternas tankar. Resultatet visar att  lärarna påtalar att vi idag lever i en stressig miljö och att det för många elever är viktigt hur de ser ut och hur de beter sig. Genom att arbeta med ”Drömmen om det godas metoder” anser samtliga lärare att eleverna blir lugnare, vilket resulterar i att de har lättare för att koncentrera sig och fokusera på skolarbetet. Lärarna menar vidare att stämningen i klassen påverkas positivt. Flera av lärarna menar också att de själva påverkas positivt av träningen. Vissa elever har svårare än andra att koncentrera sig på träningen, vilket skapar svårigheter och problem. Andra problem kan vara vilka elever som ska samarbeta vid klassrumsmassagen. För att komma över svårigheter krävs motiverade och tydliga lärare som kan samtala med och lyssna på eleverna samt återskapa ett intresse hos eleverna när motivationen tryter. Resultatet visar också att det är viktigt att elever samt lärare är väl förberedda och motiverade när arbetet påbörjas.</p><p> </p>