Effectiveness of Qigong vs. Physiotherapy to Improve Quality of Life of Women With Fibromyalgia

Effectiveness of Qigong vs. Physiotherapy to Improve Quality of Life of Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study analyze the effectiveness of a Physiotherapy treatment versus a Qigong exercise programme improving quality of life of subjects with Fibromyalgia.

Objective:

This study investigated the effectiveness of a Physiotherapy treatment versus a Qigong exercise programme for the improvement of the quality of life of subjects with Fibromyalgia.

Design:

A single-blind randomized clinical controlled trial.

Setting:

University of Extremadura, Spain

Subjects:

Women with Fibromyalgia

Interventions:

141 Participants were randomized to a Qigong exercise program group (n=47), a physiotherapy treatment group (n=47) and control group (n=47) for 6 weeks.

Main Measures:

Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), pre intervention (week 1) and post intervention (week 6). The primary outcome measure were quality of life (Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (SFIQ), pain (VAS), perceive exertion (Borg scale), spirometry measures (Spirobank-G MIR spirometry) and balance (Wii-Fit, Nintendo ©). The secondary outcome measures were flexibility (Wells and Dillon test and Sit and Reach test), Range of movement (goniometer), muscle strength (Lowett scale).

Inclusion Criteria:

• women between 30 and 65 years old,
• diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by a specialized physician,

Exclusion Criteria:

• The exclusion criteria were to present any limitation of mobility due to Fibromyalgia or other pathology, previous practice or knowledge of Qi gong, to be under Physiotherapy treatment and to practice any physical exercise.