Tai chi chuan exercise for fibromyalgia
Question :
Can Tai Chi Chuan exercise improve fibromyalgia symptoms and quality of life?
Research Articles :
A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia.
In this single-blind, randomized trial, 66 patients were randomly assigned to classic Yang-style tai chi or to wellness education and stretching exercises. Tai chi was performed for 60 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks.
There were clinically important improvements in the tai chi group as measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), this was the primary outcome measure of this study. Improvement was also seen in physical-component scores and mental-component scores.
A comprehensive review of 46 exercise treatment studies in fibromyalgia (1988-2005).
A review of 46 exercise treatment studies for fibromyalgia (Tai chi exercise is not mentioned). Aerobic exercise was the best treatment for fitness and symptom improvement. The greatest effect and lowest attrition was seen in lower intensity exercise programs.
Effects of T’ai Chi exercise on fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life.
A pilot study on 39 fibromyalgia patients. Tai chi was performed for 60 minutes, twice a week for 6 weeks. Twenty-one patients completed at least 10 of the 12 exercise sessions. Improvement was seen in quality of life and symptoms.
Answer :
Tai chi exercise can improve fibromyalgia symptoms and quality of life.
A low-impact and low aerobic intensity exercise such as tai chi could have lower attrition rates and greater benefits.
For some patients, starting with 60 minutes of tai chi exercise twice a week may be too demanding.
