Fibromyalgia Resource

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Mannerkorpi K, Arndorw M.

Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden. kaisa.mannerkorpi@rheuma.gu.se

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of body awareness therapy combined with qigong for patients with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN: A controlled randomized pilot study.

SUBJECTS: Thirty-six female patients with fibromyalgia were randomized to either qigong plus body awareness therapy (n = 19) or a control group (n = 17).

METHODS: The programme was conducted once a week over a period of 3 months. The outcome measures were an observational method called the Body Awareness Rating Scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and 2 tests of physical function. An interview was conducted with the patients in the treatment group.

RESULTS: Seven patients in each group (39%) were lost to the post-test examination. The inter-group analysis revealed a significant improvement in movement harmony for the treatment group (p = 0.03), while no differences were found in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire or the functional tests. The intra-group analysis revealed an improvement in movement harmony for the treatment group (p = 0.01), while the total score of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire deteriorated (p = 0.04) in the control group. The interviews indicated that several patients had experienced exacerbation of symptoms while standing still, and/or difficulty in concentrating on the movements.

CONCLUSIONS: Although improvement in movement harmony occurred in the patients completing the treatment programme, no improvement was found for fibromyalgia symptoms or physical function.

PMID: 15841606 [PubMed - in process]