Effectiveness of a Tai-Chi Training and Detraining on Functional Capacity, Symptomatology and Psychological Outcomes in Women with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background. The purpose was to analyze the effects of Tai-Chi training in women with fibromyalgia (FM).Methods. Thirty-two women with FM (mean age, years) attended to Tai-Chi intervention 3 sessions weekly for 28 weeks. The outcome measures were: tenderness, body composition, functional capacity and psychological outcomes (Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36)).Results. Patients showed improvements on pain threshold, total number of tender points and algometer score (all ). The intervention was effective on 6-min walk (), back scratch (), handgrip strength (), chair stand, chair sit & reach, 8 feet up & go and blind flamingo tests (all ). Tai-Chi group improved the FIQ total score () and six subscales: stiffness (), pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, anxiety, and depression (all ). The intervention was also effective in six SF-36 subscales: bodily pain (), vitality (), physical functioning, physical role, general health, and mental health (all ).Conclusions. A 28-week Tai-Chi intervention showed improvements on pain, functional capacity, symptomatology and psychological outcomes in female FM patients.