A randomized controlled trial of qigong for fibromyalgia

Abstract

IntroductionFibromyalgia is difficult to treat and requires the use of multiple approaches. This study is a randomized controlled trial of qigong compared with a wait-list control group in fibromyalgia.MethodsOne 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 three half-days, was followed by weekly review/practice sessions for eight weeks; participants were also asked to practice at home for 45 to 60 minutes per day for this interval. Outcomes were pain, impact, sleep, physical function and mental function, and these were recorded at baseline, eight weeks, four months and six months. Immediate and delayed practice groups were analyzed individually compared to the control group, and as a combination group.ResultsIn both the immediate and delayed treatment groups, CFQ demonstrated significant improvements in pain, impact, sleep, physical function and mental function when compared to the wait-list/usual care control group at eight weeks, with benefits extending beyond this time. Analysis of combined data indicated significant changes for all measures at all times for six 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.ConclusionsThis 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 registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT00938834.

Two Cases of Complete Recovery from Fibromyalgia Syndrome after External Qigong Therapy

“…There are many unknown elements in this anecdotal study that need a more systematic study with a more sophisticated design. Although there are some reported positive outcomes in randomized control trials of Qigong therapy as a self-care method [20,21] rigorous trials are needed to examine the true effect of EQT on patients with FMS and other chronic pain syndromes.…”

Qualitative Analysis of a Controlled Trial of Qigong for Fibromyalgia: Advancing Understanding of an Emerging Health Practice

“…12 Participants (n = 100) were randomly assigned to an immediate qigong training group or to a wait list control group (usual care) and then received qigong training at the end of the wait time. Participants received training in level 1 CFQ, 14 a form of qigong that is available locally, over 3 half-days, attended weekly practice sessions (where instruction was refined), and were expected to practice 45 min/day for 8 weeks; they were then encouraged to continue regular practice to 6 months.…”

“…The current study entailed a retrospective subgroup analysis of qualitative comments of participants in the RCT, 12 with clustering around motivational factors (those who entered the extension phase) and extent of practice (self-reported practice times). The general hypothesis being considered is that benefit is related to amount of practice.…”

“…The RCT reported quantitative measures for pain, impact, sleep, and physical and mental function, and there were significant improvements in all scores that were maintained to 6 months. 12 The extension trial undertook a quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the juxtaposition of the two approaches provides valuable insight into long-term effects of qigong practice for fibromyalgia. 16 In both trials, there was a relationship between extent of practice and outcomes, with more favorable results occurring in patients who practiced diligently (45-60 min/day for 8 weeks).…”

“…[10][11][12][13] In Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the authors have completed several trials of a single form of qigong (Chaoyi Fanhuan qigong [CFQ]) 14 -a pilot trial, 15 a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 12 and an extension trial involving a subset of RCT participants 16 -and this body of investigation allows for more detailed exploration of issues related to the health potential of qigong practice. The RCT reported quantitative measures for pain, impact, sleep, and physical and mental function, and there were significant improvements in all scores that were maintained to 6 months.…”