Author: Sujie Mao1, Guoping Qian2, Kaiwen Xiao1, Hong Xu3, Shikun Zhang4, Wensheng Zhou5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Graduate Department, Harbin Sport University, Harbin, China.
<sup>2</sup> Gdansk Sports University, Gdansk, Poland.
<sup>3</sup> Department of Physical Education, Nanjing Polytechnic Institute, Nanjing, China.
<sup>4</sup> Department of Police Physical Education, Jiangsu Police Institute, Nanjing, China.
<sup>5</sup> Department of Physical Education, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, China.
Conference/Journal: Percept Mot Skills
Date published: 2024 Oct 25
Other:
Pages: 315125241291080 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/00315125241291080. , Word Count: 269
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and various associated symptoms. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained attention for managing FMS and improving patient outcomes. We reviewed past research to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese martial arts (TCMA) and stretching training (ST) on symptoms of patients with FMS. We searched Web of Science, Medline via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from their inceptions to June 1, 2023. Across selected studies, we evaluated TCMA and ST using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores, pain symptoms, fatigue levels, and sleep quality as outcome measures. Compared with control groups, participants receiving TCMA and ST interventions showed significantly lower FIQ scores (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = -3.01, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [-4.83,-1.19]), improved pain symptoms (SMD = -0.77, 95% CI [-1.07,-0.47]), less fatigue (SMD = 1.31, 95% CI [0.50,2.11]), and enhanced sleep quality (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.97,-0.12]). Subgroup analyses revealed that, irrespective of intervention duration, both TCMA and ST interventions were effective in relieving pain symptoms in these patients. ST interventions showed significant improvement in fatigue symptoms, while TCMA interventions positively influenced sleep quality. These findings highlight potential non-pharmalogical benefits of TCMA and ST interventions in managing FMS. However, future research should explore the optimal duration, frequency, intensity, and types of interventions for TCMA and ST and design targeted exercise intervention programs to study the effects of these interventions on different characteristics of FMS patients. Attention should be given to the effects of short-term interventions on improving fatigue symptoms, sleep quality, and pain relief, to provide more personalized and effective FMS treatment plans.
Keywords: Qigong; Tai Chi; fatigue; fibromyalgia impact questionnaire; meta-analysis; pain; sleep.
PMID: 39451074 DOI: 10.1177/00315125241291080