A Randomized Trial of Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background Previous research has suggested that tai chi offers a therapeutic benefit in patients with fibromyalgia. Methods We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of classic Yang-style tai chi as compared with a control intervention consisting of wellness education and stretching for the treatment of fibromyalgia (defined by American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria). Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and took place twice a week for 12 weeks for each of the study groups. The primary end point was a change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms) at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points included summary scores on the physical and mental components of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). All assessments were repeated at 24 weeks to test the durability of the response. Results Of the 66 randomly assigned patients, the 33 in the tai chi group had clinically important improvements in the FIQ total score and quality of life. Mean (±SD) baseline and 12-week FIQ scores for the tai chi group were 62.9±15.5 and 35.1±18.8, respectively, versus 68.0±11 and 58.6±17.6, respectively, for the control group (change from baseline in the tai chi group vs. change from baseline in the control group, −18.4 points; P<0.001). The corresponding SF-36 physical-component scores were 28.5±8.4 and 37.0±10.5 for the tai chi group versus 28.0±7.8 and 29.4±7.4 for the control group (between-group difference, 7.1 points; P = 0.001), and the mental-component scores were 42.6±12.2 and 50.3±10.2 for the tai chi group versus 37.8±10.5 and 39.4±11.9 for the control group (between-group difference, 6.1 points; P = 0.03). Improvements were maintained at 24 weeks (between-group difference in the FIQ score, −18.3 points; P<0.001). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions Tai chi may be a useful treatment for fibromyalgia and merits long-term study in larger study populations.

Generational Differences in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use in the Context of Chronic Diseases and Pain: Baby Boomers versus the Silent Generation

“…While the prevalence of neck and low-back pain were comparable between the 2 generations, the baby boomers were more likely to report head and facial pain. Several nonpharmacological interventions, such as acupuncture, 33 tai chi, 34 yoga, 35 and massage, 36 have shown evidence in managing chronic pain.…”

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Rheumatology — It’s Time for Integrative Medicine

“…Therefore, these treatments cannot be recommended for the management of FM. In contrast, recent research testing mind-body and meditative movement interventions has found considerable benefits, especially for tai chi, in patients with FM 17,18 . Further useful treatments are hydrotherapy and thermal therapy 19 .…”

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for the anesthesiologist and pain practitioner: a narrative review

“…29 Limitations of these studies include small sample sizes, large dropout rates, and absence of a double-blind study design. 25,26,28 In all the studies reviewed, there were no adverse effects from the use of a tai chi exercise program (Table 3). Similar studies show the benefits of yoga for pain relief.…”

“…9 Most tai chi studies have focused on its use in musculoskeletal pain, specifically osteoarthritis [25][26][27] and fibromyalgia. 28 In addition, tai chi has been studied for its use in fall prevention and as an adjunct for rehabilitation in patients with heart failure. 29 Limitations of these studies include small sample sizes, large dropout rates, and absence of a double-blind study design.…”