Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences

Oxana Palesh

Publication Details

  • Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on insulin and cytokine levels in a randomized controlled pilot study on breast cancer survivors.

    Janelsins MC, Davis PG, Wideman L, Katula JA, Sprod LK, Peppone LJ, Palesh OG, Heckler CE, Williams JP, Morrow GR, Mustian KM. Clin Breast Cancer. 2011; 11 (3): 161-70

    Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is an integrative medicine mind-body practice with a physical activity component that has positive effects on aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and quality of life among cancer survivors, similar to the effects elicited by other modes of moderate-intensity exercise. Inflammatory cytokines and insulin and insulin-related signaling molecules may contribute to weight gain and affect cancer recurrence rates and survival; exercise can curb cancer- and treatment-related weight gain, increase survival, and reduce levels of insulin and inflammatory cytokines. Despite knowing the beneficial effects of conventional exercise interventions on these mediators, little is known about the physiologic effects of TCC on these pathways in breast cancer survivors.

    PubMedID: 21665136

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