The Qigong experimental group performed the 20 figures to improve health and longevity described by the master of Qigong 'Wang Ziping'. These are based on therapeutic exercises of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They work on breathing, flexibility and balance. Each figure was repeated 6 times. The sessions were administered twice a week during 45 minutes and were guided by a Doctor in Western Medicine who is also qualified as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong teacher.

The physiotherapy experimental group completed an active exercises program guided by a qualified physiotherapist. The exercise programme was based on active shoulder, hips and spine kinesiotherapy. It included a warm up of 3-5 minutes walking, followed by 6 repetitions of shoulder and hip exercises in standing, cervical spine exercises in sitting or standing, according to the comfort of the patient, thoracic and lumbar spine exercises performed in supine on a mat and balance exercises in standing. Stretching exercises were also performed at the end of the session. The exercises were accompanied by gentle breathing coordinated with the movements. The sessions were administered twice a week during 45 minutes.

The control group did not receive any intervention. The participants continued with their routine medical treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine exercise programme

SFIQ measures the level of quality of life of subjects with Fibromyalgia with a score of 0 to 100. A higher score indicates more impact of the condition on the life of the person and therefore less quality of life.

The Visual analogue scale measures the level of pain with a score of 0 to 10 where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates maximun pain.

Borg scale measures the perceived exertion of a subject with a score of 0 to 10 where 0 is the minimum exertion and 10 is the maximun exertion.

Spirometry measures respiratory values being the reference values (Knudson model) for a 50 year old woman with 1,65 cm of height and 65 kilos weight: FVC (Forced vital capacity)= 3.611, FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume) = 2.7505, FEV1%= 76.17%, FEF (Forced expiratory flow) 25-75%= 2.625, PEF (peak expiratory flow)= 6.222

Static balance and postural control is the ability to maintain the centre of gravity within the base of support. Centre of gravity is measured in percentage through posturography study. A higher percentage means better balance

Shoulder and hip range of movement