Qigong in the treatment of Fibromyalgia

2014-11-07 14:02:37

A recently published randomized controlled trial was completed that utilized an extension trial of qigong (Chaoyi Fanhuan qigong or CFQ in particular), for patients with fibromyalgia ⁽¹⁾. Participants received instruction in qigong (level 1 CFQ), practiced 45 min/day for 8 weeks and continued practice to 6 months; open-ended qualitative comments on experiences were invited at 8 weeks and 4 and 6 months. Extension trial participants received further instruction (level 2 CFQ) and practiced regularly for 8 weeks-6 months. The results showed that those who completed the extension trial (13 people in total), were most likely to be seeing benefit within the first 8 weeks. Those who practiced as per the protocol during the initial 8 weeks (for more than 5 hours per week), were also more likely to maintain the practice over 4 to 6 months and report beneficial health effects. The authors conclude that favorable initial experiences with qigong predispose to continued practice and more health effects.