The patients in the tai chi group had clinically important improvements in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, a commonly used questionnaire used in the evaluation of fibromyalgia patients. Individuals in the tai chi group also had clinically important improvements in quality of life with statistically significant between group differences in both the physical and mental components scores of the SF-36 health survey. Improvements were maintained at 24 weeks and no adverse events were observed.

Abstract

]]> http://www.taichiresearch.com/1257/tai-chi-benefits-fibromyalgia-patients/feed/ 0 http://www.taichiresearch.com/731/pilot-study-of-tai-chi-for-fibromyalgia-shows-improvements-in-symptom-management-and-health-related-quality-of-life/ http://www.taichiresearch.com/731/pilot-study-of-tai-chi-for-fibromyalgia-shows-improvements-in-symptom-management-and-health-related-quality-of-life/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:40:24 +0000 David Bendall http://www.taichiresearch.com/?p=731 Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with high levels of impaired health and inadequate symptom relief. Citing previous research that indicates that a combination of physical exercise and mind-body therapy is effective for symptom management, researchers at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA carried out a pilot study to investigate the effects of tai chi on fibromyalgia symptoms. 39 individuals with Fibromyalgia were assigned to 6 weeks of twice weekly one-hour tai chi classes. 21 of the 39 participants completed at least 10 out of 12 exercise sessions. Measurements on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and SF-36 health survey showed significant improvements in symptom management and health-related quality of life.

Abstract