A randomized controlled trial of qigong exercise on fatigue symptoms, functioning, and telomerase activity in persons with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome

Rainbow T H Ho, Jessie S M Chan, Chong-Wen Wang, Benson W M Lau, Kwok Fai So, Li Ping Yuen, Jonathan S T Sham, Cecilia L W Chan, Rainbow T H Ho, Jessie S M Chan, Chong-Wen Wang, Benson W M Lau, Kwok Fai So, Li Ping Yuen, Jonathan S T Sham, Cecilia L W Chan

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.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of the selection of participants in the study

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