Key result
A 12-week Tai Chi training regimen significantly decreased sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF change -0.3 vs 0.1, p=0.028) and improved pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia compared to a control group.
Why the study?
Does a 12-week Tai Chi training regimen improve cardiac autonomic function and symptomatology in women with fibromyalgia?
RCT (n=37)
Single-blind (Laboratory personnel were blind to group assignment)
Computer-generated blocks (10 randomized group assignments per block) stratified by disease duration
No
Does a 12-week Tai Chi training regimen improve cardiac autonomic function and symptomatology in women with fibromyalgia?
A 12-week Tai Chi training program significantly improved cardiac autonomic function (sympathovagal balance), pain, fatigue, strength, and flexibility in women with fibromyalgia.
Supports Tai Chi for autonomic and symptom benefits in fibromyalgia; extends evidence for mind-body exercise on HRV in chronic pain.
The present study examined the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi (TC) training regimen on heart rate variability (HRV), symptomatology, muscle fitness and body composition in women with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly assigned to either a TC training group (n = 18) or a control group (n = 19). HRV, symptomatology, muscle fitness and body composition were measured before and after 12 weeks. There were significant decreases (p < 0.05) in sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF), sympathetic tone (LnLF, nLF), pain, and fatigue, and significant increases (p < 0.05) in parasympathetic tone (LnHF, nHF), strength and flexibility following TC compared with no changes after control. The changes in LnLF and LnLF/LnHF were correlated with changes in pain. There were no significant changes in HR, sleep quality and body composition after TC or control. TC may be an effective therapeutic intervention for improving sympathovagal balance, pain, fatigue, strength and flexibility in women with fibromyalgia.
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Wong et al. (2017) conducted an RCT in Fibromyalgia (n=37). Tai Chi vs. Control group (maintained regular lifestyle habits without supervised exercise) was evaluated on Change in sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF) from baseline to 12 weeks (p=0.028). A 12-week Tai Chi training regimen significantly decreased sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF change -0.3 vs 0.1, p=0.028) and improved pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia compared to a control group.
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