Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, muscle tenderness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, often leading to disability and a reduced quality of life. In addition to physical symptoms, fibromyalgia patients frequently suffer from psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. For years, traditional treatments have focused on managing these symptoms through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, a recent Italian study suggests that mind-body therapies, particularly Tai Ji Quan (TJQ), may offer significant benefits for fibromyalgia patients.

In 2016, Researchers, led by Susanna Maddali Bongi and her colleagues, investigated the effectiveness of Tai Ji Quan as a rehabilitation method in a cohort of 44 fibromyalgia patients. The study divided participants into two groups: an experimental group that practiced Tai Ji Quan twice a week for 16 weeks, and a control group that attended educational sessions on fibromyalgia with the same frequency and duration.

Patients were assessed before (T0) and after (T1) the 16-week period using various measures, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Short-Form 36 (SF36) to evaluate quality of life, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness-Fatigue (FACIT-F) for fatigue levels, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality. Additionally, pain and tenderness were measured through the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Tender Points (TP), while mood disorders were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

The results were striking. Patients in the Tai Ji Quan group showed significant improvements across all key metrics. They reported reduced disability, improved quality of life, less fatigue, and better sleep. Pain levels and tenderness also decreased, while anxiety and depression symptoms showed marked reductions. In contrast, patients in the control group—those who only attended educational sessions—showed no improvements in any of the evaluated parameters.

The researchers concluded that Tai Ji Quan, when performed under the guidance of an expert physiotherapist, should be considered a valuable rehabilitation method for fibromyalgia patients. The gentle, meditative movements of Tai Ji Quan appear to not only ease physical symptoms but also alleviate the psychological burden often associated with fibromyalgia.

This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of mind-body therapies in managing chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. As Tai Ji Quan continues to demonstrate positive outcomes, it could become a more widely adopted approach for enhancing both the physical and mental well-being of those suffering from this challenging syndrome.

Reference: Bongi, S. M., Paoletti, G., Cala, M., Del Rosso, A., El Aoufy, K., & Mikhaylova, S. (2016). Efficacy of rehabilitation with Tai Ji Quan in an Italian cohort of patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 24, 109-115.