Qigong and Fibromyalgia: Randomized Controlled Trials and Beyond
Joint Authors
Source
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-14, 14 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-11-12
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
14
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Qigong is currently considered as meditative movement, mindful exercise, or complementary exercise and is being explored for relief of symptoms in fibromyalgia.
Aim.
This narrative review summarizes randomized controlled trials, as well as additional studies, of qigong published to the end of 2013 and discusses relevant methodological issues.
Results.
Controlled trials indicate regular qigong practice (daily, 6–8 weeks) produces improvements in core domains for fibromyalgia (pain, sleep, impact, and physical and mental function) that are maintained at 4–6 months compared to wait-list subjects or baselines.
Comparisons with active controls show little difference, but compared to baseline there are significant and comparable effects in both groups.
Open-label studies provide information that supports benefit but remain exploratory.
An extension trial and case studies involving extended practice (daily, 6–12 months) indicate marked benefits but are limited by the number of participants.
Benefit appears to be related to amount of practice.
Conclusions.
There is considerable potential for qigong to be a useful complementary practice for the management of fibromyalgia.
However, there are unique methodological challenges, and exploration of its clinical potential will need to focus on pragmatic issues and consider a spectrum of trial designs.
Mechanistic considerations need to consider both system-wide and more specific effects.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Sawynok, Jana& Lynch, Mary. 2014. Qigong and Fibromyalgia: Randomized Controlled Trials and Beyond. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1018419
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Sawynok, Jana& Lynch, Mary. Qigong and Fibromyalgia: Randomized Controlled Trials and Beyond. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1018419
American Medical Association (AMA)
Sawynok, Jana& Lynch, Mary. Qigong and Fibromyalgia: Randomized Controlled Trials and Beyond. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1018419
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1018419