A randomized controlled trial of qigong exercise on fatigue symptoms, functioning, and telomerase activity in persons with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Ann Behav Med
; 44(2): 160-70, 2012 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22736201
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Chronic fatigue is common in the general population. Complementary therapies are often used by patients with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome to manage their symptoms.PURPOSE:
This study aimed to assess the effect of a 4-month qigong intervention program among patients with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome.METHODS:
Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a wait list control group. Outcome measures included fatigue symptoms, physical functioning, mental functioning, and telomerase activity.RESULTS:
Fatigue symptoms and mental functioning were significantly improved in the qigong group compared to controls. Telomerase activity increased in the qigong group from 0.102 to 0.178 arbitrary units (p < 0.05). The change was statistically significant when compared to the control group (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION:
Qigong exercise may be used as an alternative and complementary therapy or rehabilitative program for chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Traditional Medicines:
Medicinas_tradicionales_de_asia
/
Medicina_china
Main subject:
Breathing Exercises
/
Activities of Daily Living
/
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
/
Telomerase
/
Fatigue
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Ann Behav Med
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China