Efficacy of Qigong in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with unknown etiology is a common

health problem, but is usually neglected. There is a controversy in the definition and

treatment of CFS.Western drugs for CFS have many side-effects and little clinical

benefit. Only graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy have

evidence of efficacy. Qigong is a traditional Chinese movement exercise including

meditation, which focuses on the balance between yin and yang, as well as regulating the circulation of qi (vital energy in the body) to attain holistic health.

Few large studies on Qigong and CFS have been conducted. This study was the first

randomized controlled trial (RCT) study to assess the efficacy of Qigong as an

alternative approach in the treatment of CFS.

Methods: A RCTstudy for adult CFS patients was conducted with Qigong group (n=

56) and control group (n=58). Ten sessions (twice a week for 5 weeks) of Qigong

exercise (WuXingPingHengGong) of 2 hours each was delivered by an experienced

Taoist Qigong master (YLP). The primary outcomewas a change of Chalder’s Fatigue scale between baseline and post-intervention (T1 - T0). The secondary outcomes were Chinese Brief Fatigue Inventory (CBFI) and SF-12 Health Survey Questionnaire.

Results: Two groups were comparable in demographic characteristics and other

aspects at baseline. Mean (SD) of Chalder’s fatigue score at baseline and postintervention for Qigong group were 34.5 (9.0) and 23.3 (10.3), respectively,

versus 35.8 (9.6) and 29.6 (10.7) for control group. The changes of Chalder’s

fatigue (T1-T0) were −11.2 and −6.2 for Qigong and control groups

respectively (p=0.004). There were also the improvements in terms of CBFI

(- 1.6 vs - 0.5, p=0.004) and quality of life (SF-12 PCS: 5.5 vs 2.6, p=0.056;

SF-12 MCS: 7.6 vs 1.5, p=0.003). No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: Qigong exercise may be a promising therapy for the treatment of

CFS as an alternative approach.