The effect of Qigong on Fibromyalgia (FMS): A controlled randomized study

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of a 7-week Qigong intervention on subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Methods. The study was a controlled randomized study with repeated measures. Fifty-seven FMS female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=29) or a waiting-list control group (n=28). After completion of the experimental part, the control group received the same intervention. Collection of data was made at pre- and post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up for both groups. Results. During the experimental part of the study, significant improvements were found for the intervention group, at post-treatment, regarding different aspects of pain and psychological health and distress. Almost identical results were found for the combined group. At 4-month follow-up, the majority of these results were either maintained or improved. Conclusion. The overall results show that Qigong has positive and reliable effects regarding FMS. A high degree of completion, 93%, and contentment with the intervention further support the potential of the treatment. The results of the study are encouraging and suggest that Qigong intervention could be a useful complement to medical treatment for subjects with FMS.