Research Article

Extension Trial of Qigong for Fibromyalgia: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study

Table 5

Qualitative comments of the subjects who withdrew from the extension trial. Baseline comments relate to experiences following level 1 CFQ. Comments retain original wording and content and are edited to remove identifying and extraneous information. Original trial number, age, and duration of fibromyalgia (FM) are indicated for each subject.

SubjectBaseline commentsComments following qigong practice

1  (004)   
Age: 45
FM: 11
Am feeling and doing much better, more happy, more relaxed, more carefree.Week 8: more energetic, less pain, happier; blood pressure has gone down.
Month 4: WITHDRAWAL
Note  1: reports practicing 2 hrs per wk at week 8  
Note  2: reports pain level 2 at baseline, and 3 at week 8

2  (005)   
Age: 60
FM: 17
Lowered pain and tiredness, improved mobility and [activities].Week 8: WITHDRAWAL
Note: pain level 3 at baseline

3  (025)   
Age: 46
FM: 12
Same as when started except for taking medications (none).Week 8: WITHDRAWAL

4  (060)   
Age: 54
FM: 18
Improved sleep, but has deteriorated since trial ended. Improved sense of well-being. Increased sense of control of my pain even though pain the same as before.Week 8: although had a marked improvement in the first level trial, have had no positive response from this second level. Had great difficulty with the training presentation—the material was presented in ways that challenge my worldview.
Month 4: WITHDRAWAL
Note: reports practicing 2 hrs per wk at week 8

5  (063)   
Age: 53
FM: 10
Pain reduced, better sleep. Diagnosis of diabetes, so was a confusing time.Week 8: WITHDRAWAL

6  (082)   
Age: 61
FM: 1
Qigong helped me relax. Stopped taking too many pain pills because Qigong is helping. Week 8: WITHDRAWAL

7  (089)   
Age: 53
FM: 8
Now know the connection between relaxation and how we perceive pain. Qigong makes me feel rested and calm. Week 8: qigong relaxes me and improves my peace of mind. Am less anxious and less depressed. Can work pain free for longer periods of time. Found the movements beneficial for lower back problems. Find it hard to put time aside [for Qigong], would benefit from longer practice sessions. It has to become a way of life to get full benefits.
Month 4: WITHDRAWAL
Note: reports practicing 5 hrs per week at week 8