Tai Chi Study shows benefit for sufferers of Fibromyalgia

The results are in. Engaging in 2 x 60 minute per week sessions of Tai Chi is definitely beneficial to sufferers of Fibromyalgia according to a study released by the Division of Rheumatology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.

In a clinical blind trial, the Tai Chi group showed overall improvement in quality of life from both a physical and mental perspective after only 12 weeks. The control group engaged in a 12-week program of wellness education and stretching while the study group spent the same amount of time engaged in learning and practicing Yang-style Tai Chi. The trial was followed up after 6 months to see whether the improvements were still evident, with surprisingly good results.

The published results of the trial were that Tai Chi may be a useful treatment for fibromyalgia sufferers and merits long-term study in larger populations.

For more information please contact Dr. Wang at the Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Box 406, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111 or refer to the New England Journal of Medicine at www.nejm.org