Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Our research focused on the Chinese traditional sport tai chi. We are exploring the possibility and the effectiveness of mindfully training combined with tai chi as the mind-body exercise for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Ensuring the subjects complete three intensive training sessions per week is an important challenge in this study.

Our research shows that tai chi can be well-integrated with mindfulness training. Our protocol outlines the steps to integrate mindfulness training with tai chi. It will pave the way for the future development of tai chi, making this traditional sport more engaging and beneficial for practitioners.

In the future, we will focus on the application of mindfulness training combined with tai chi in other chronic diseases. We will also make efforts to promote mindfulness training combined with tai chi. To begin mindfulness training combined with tai chi, select an open and tranquil space.

Spread the yoga mat and sit on it to perform mindfulness meditation. Slowly and deeply breathe in and out three to four times, focusing on the sensation of air entering through the nostrils, filling the chest and abdomen, and then exiting the body. Then allow the breathing rhythm to return to normal, and do not control the breathing.

Next, focus on various elements such as breath, physical sensation, audio cues, thought processes, and emotions, while consciously relaxing the body. Transition into the mindfulness body scan by lying supine on the yoga mat, legs resting apart at a natural distance, eyes nearly closed, and arms beside the body without making contact with the body. Concentrate on the sensations throughout the body from the toes up to the brain.

If falling asleep, choose to sit to avoid dozing off during the mindfulness body scanning exercises. Next, perform tai chi or mindfulness movement by focusing on every individual movement, aiming to maintain a state of deep mindfulness throughout the process. Take note of the alternating stress and relaxation in the leg muscles, as well as the tactile sensation of the feet touching the ground.

To end the activity, engage in relaxation exercises for both the upper and lower limbs. Also perform breathing adjustments for a 10 minute duration, which acts as a relaxed balancing conclusion to the activity. Sit in a meditative state, refrain from making judgements about the thoughts that arise, and always accept these concepts.

After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the TCSS score of MTCG, the group practicing mindfulness training with tai chi, TCG, the group practicing only tai chi, and the control group, or CG.The TCSS score of MTCG was significantly lower than TCG and CG.The MAAS score of the MTCG not only improved after the intervention, but it was also significantly higher than that of the TCG and CG.After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the VAS scores between the three groups. The score of the MTCG was significantly lower than the other groups. A similar trend was observed in the case of the serum necrosis factor alpha or TNF alpha levels.

After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the DSQL scores between the three groups. The DSQL score of the MTCG was significantly lower than that of the other groups.