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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 2/2012

Open Access 01-10-2012 | Original Article

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong Exercise on Fatigue Symptoms, Functioning, and Telomerase Activity in Persons with Chronic Fatigue or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Authors: Rainbow T. H. Ho, Ph.D., Jessie S. M. Chan, M.P.H., Chong-Wen Wang, Ph.D., Benson W. M. Lau, Ph.D., Kwok Fai So, Ph.D., Li Ping Yuen, B.C.M., Jonathan S. T. Sham, M.D., Cecilia L. W. Chan, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2012

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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.
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Metadata
Title
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Qigong Exercise on Fatigue Symptoms, Functioning, and Telomerase Activity in Persons with Chronic Fatigue or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors
Rainbow T. H. Ho, Ph.D.
Jessie S. M. Chan, M.P.H.
Chong-Wen Wang, Ph.D.
Benson W. M. Lau, Ph.D.
Kwok Fai So, Ph.D.
Li Ping Yuen, B.C.M.
Jonathan S. T. Sham, M.D.
Cecilia L. W. Chan, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-10-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9381-6

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