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, Wui Man Lau, Kwok Fai So, Li Ping Yuen, Jonathan S.T. Sham, Cecilia L.W. Chan

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

78 Citations (Scopus)

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-170
Number of pages11
JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chronicfatigue
  • Exercise
  • Qigong
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Telomerase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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