
Fibromyalgia, a complex condition marked by chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues, is often treated with aerobic exercise. But what if there’s a more effective and enjoyable alternative to manage fibromyalgia? A recent study compared tai chi vs aerobic exercise in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Key Findings:
- Tai Chi Outperformed Aerobic Exercise: All groups saw improvements, but tai chi groups showed greater benefits on key measures like fibromyalgia impact, anxiety, and coping skills.
- Longer Duration = Better Results: Patients who practiced tai chi for 24 weeks improved more than those who practiced for 12 weeks with fibromyalgia. People that performed 2 x a week or once a week had similar results. The duration had a larger effect on fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Better Attendance: Participants were more consistent with tai chi than aerobic sessions, suggesting tai chi may be more appealing and sustainable when dealing with fibromyalgia.
- Best Outcomes: Practicing tai chi twice a week for 24 weeks yielded the most significant fibromyalgia symptom relief.
Implications for Practice:
Many fibromyalgia patients struggle with traditional exercise programs. Tai chi offers a gentler, engaging alternative that addresses both physical and mental health when dealing with fibromyalgia. Its focus on relaxation, mindfulness, and movement may better target the underlying issues contributing to pain and fatigue with fibromyalgia.
For physiotherapists, tai chi is a promising option to add to treatment plans with seeing patients with fibromyalgia , especially for patients who find aerobic exercise daunting. By incorporating mind-body exercises like tai chi, we can provide a holistic approach to fibromyalgia care.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, book in with our Physiotherapists to discuss different treatment options based on evidence. Call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 or book online via our website.
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