Effects of Qigong Exercise on Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms of Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (25th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Jessie S. M.; Ho, Rainbow T. H.; Wang, Chong-wen; Yuen, Lai Ping; Sham, Jonathan S. T.; Chan, Cecilia L. W.
• Other Names: Chen Kevin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-06-25
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/485341
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Anxiety/depressive symptoms are common in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) like illness. Qigong as a modality of complementary and alternative therapy has been increasingly applied by patients with chronic illnesses, but little is known about the effect of Qigong on anxiety/depressive symptoms of the patients with CFS-like illness. Purpose . To investigate the effects of Qigong on fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with CFS-illness. Methods . One hundred and thirty-seven participants who met the diagnostic criteria for CFS-like illness were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group received 10 sessions of Qigong training twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks, followed by home-based practice for 12 weeks. Fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results . Total fatigue score [F 1, 135 = 13.888, P < 0.001 ], physical fatigue score [F 1, 135 = 20.852, P < 0.001 ] and depression score [F 1, 135 = 9.918, P = 0.002 ] were significantly improved and mental fatigue score [F 1, 135 = 3.902, P = 0.050 ] was marginally significantly improved in the Qigong group compared to controls. The anxiety score was not significantly improved in the Qigong group. Conclusion . Qigong may not only reduce the fatigue symptoms, but also has antidepressive effect for patients with CFS-like illness. Trial registration HKCTR-1200 .