Study: qigong for fibromyalgia

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Source: Co-Cure

Note: As always, one of the issues is whether self-report is accurate-

or whether it needs to be. On the other hand in the perhaps not too

distant future more and more studies may use biomarkers to objectively

measure the physiological effectiveness of such treatments. Qigong is

defined as a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for

exercise, healing, and meditation. Typically a qigong practice

involves rhythmic breathing coordinated with slow stylized repetition

of fluid movement and stretching. It is low impact and can be done

lying, sitting, or standing. Yoga and tai chi are along similar lines.

A randomized controlled trial of qigong for fibromyalgia

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is difficult to treat and requires the use

of multiple approaches. This study is a randomized controlled trial of

qigong compared with a waitlist control group in fibromyalgia.

Methods: One hundred participants were randomly assigned to immediate

or delayed practice groups, with the delayed group receiving training

at the end of the control period.

Qigong training (level 1 Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong, CFQ), given over 3

half-days, was followed by weekly review/practice sessions for 8

weeks; participants were also asked to practice at home for 45-60

minutes per day for this interval. Outcomes were pain, impact, sleep,

physical function and mental function, and these were recorded at

baseline, 8 weeks, 4 months and 6 months.

Immediate and delayed practice groups were analyzed individually

compared to the control group, and as a combination group.

Results: In both the immediate and delayed treatment groups, CFQ

demonstrated significant improvements in pain, impact, sleep, physical

function and mental function when compared to the waitlist/usual care

control group at 8 weeks, with benefits extending beyond this time.

Analysis of combined data indicated significant changes for all

measures at all times to 6 months, with only one exception.

Post-hoc analysis based on self-reported practice times indicated

greater benefit with the per protocol group compared to minimal

practice.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that CFQ, a particular form of

qigong, provides long-term benefits in several core domains in

fibromyalgia. CFQ may be a useful adjuvant self-care treatment for

fibromyalgia.

Trial Registration: clinicalrials.gov NCT00938834