Qigong is an internal art practice with a long history in China. It is currently characterized as meditative movement (or as movement-based embodied contemplative practice), but is also considered as complementary and alternative exercise or mind-body therapy. There are now six controlled trials and nine other reports on the effects of qigong in fibromyalgia. Outcomes are related to amount of practice so it is important to consider this factor in overview analyses. If one considers the 4 trials (201 subjects) that involve diligent practice (30-45 min daily, 6-8 weeks), there are consistent benefits in pain, sleep, impact, and physical and mental function following the regimen, with benefits maintained at 4-6 months. Effect sizes are consistently in the large range. There are also reports of even more extensive practice of qigong for 1-3 years, even up to a decade, indicating marked benefits in other health areas beyond core domains for fibromyalgia. While the latter reports involve a limited number of subjects and represent a self-selected population, the marked health benefits that occur are noteworthy. Qigong merits further study as a complementary practice for those with fibromyalgia. Current treatment guidelines do not consider amount of practice, and usually make indeterminate recommendations.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/medicines4020037 | DOI Listing |
Altern Ther Health Med
November 2024
Background And Purpose: Fibromyalgia is a common disease with many symptoms that affect the quality of life, such as pain, muscle and joint stiffness, fatigue, insomnia, mood and cognitive dysfunctions, and general sensitivity. Qigong exercises integrated into treatment may be effective in reducing the intensity of these symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of Qigong on the symptoms seen in fibromyalgia patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPercept Mot Skills
December 2024
Department of Physical Education, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, China.
Healthcare (Basel)
December 2023
FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
Introduction: Electro-acupuncture, an innovative adaptation of traditional acupuncture, combines electrical stimulation with acupuncture needles to enhance therapeutic effects. While acupuncture is widely used, its biological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Recent research has explored the neurophysiological aspects of acupuncture, particularly through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate its effects on brain activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMedicine (Baltimore)
November 2023
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Haidian, Beijing, China.
Background: The efficacy of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE)-based interventions in the improvement of sleep quality is controversial. In this systematic review, we aimed to summarize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that outline the effects of TCE on sleep quality.
Methods: Five databases (Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Medline, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for literature published before July 2022.
Int J Rheum Dis
December 2023
Department of Rheumatology, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Background And Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptoms that leads to decreased functioning, work productivity, and quality of life. Exercise has been recommended for fibromyalgia treatment. Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE), including Taichi, Qigong, Badunjin, Wuqinxi, etc.
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