Effectiveness of a Tai-Chi Training and Detraining on Functional Capacity, Symptomatology and Psychological Outcomes in Women with Fibromyalgia

Abstract EN

Background.

The purpose was to analyze the effects of Tai-Chi training in women with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods.

Thirty-two women with FM (mean age, 51.4±6.8 years) attended to Tai-Chi intervention 3 sessions weekly for 28 weeks.

The outcome measures were: tenderness, body composition, functional capacity and psychological outcomes (Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36)).

Results.

Patients showed improvements on pain threshold, total number of tender points and algometer score (all P<0.001).

The intervention was effective on 6-min walk (P=0.006), back scratch (P=0.002), handgrip strength (P=0.006), chair stand, chair sit & reach, 8 feet up & go and blind flamingo tests (all P<0.001).

Tai-Chi group improved the FIQ total score (P<0.001) and six subscales: stiffness (P=0.005), pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, anxiety, and depression (all P<0.001).

The intervention was also effective in six SF-36 subscales: bodily pain (P=0.003), vitality (P=0.018), physical functioning, physical role, general health, and mental health (all P<0.001).

Conclusions.

A 28-week Tai-Chi intervention showed improvements on pain, functional capacity, symptomatology and psychological outcomes in female FM patients.