Effects of T’ai Chi Exercise on Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Knowledge of interventions to enhance health for the patient with musculoskeletal problems is a National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses priority. Tai Chi is potentially beneficial to patients with FM. Further research is needed to support evidence-based practice.

A Randomized Trial of Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia

“…13,34 Our findings are also consistent with observations from other clinical trials and meta-analyses that support the benefits of physical exercise and mind-body practice for symptom management in fibromyalgia. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41] The biologic mechanisms by which tai chi might affect the clinical course of fibromyalgia remain unknown.…”

“…11,12 A small, nonrandomized study showed that tai chi reduced symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia, 13 and it has also been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits in patients with other chronic rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 14,15 We conducted a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial to compare the physical and psychological benefits of tai chi with those of a control intervention that consisted of wellness education and stretching.…”

Preliminary Findings of a 4-Month Tai Chi Intervention on Tenderness, Functional Capacity, Symptomatology, and Quality of Life in Men With Fibromyalgia

“…Therefore, it is potentially beneficial to fibromyalgia patients but further research is needed to support the evidence-based practice (Taggart et al, 2003).…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Seven observational studies with relatively large sample sizes reinforced the beneficial association between Tai Chi practice and psychological health. Notably, the review found that Tai Chi tended to reduce depression compared to various controls among individuals with osteoarthritis (Fransen et al, 2007;Wang et al, 2009), rheumatoid arthritis (Wang, 2008b) fibromyalgia (Taggart et al, 2003;Wang et al, 2010b), depression disorders (Chou et al, 2004), sedentary obese women (Dechamps et al, 2009), and elderly participants with cardiovascular disease risk factors (Taylor-Piliae et al, 2006). This positive result was associated with improvement in symptoms and physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions.…”