The effects of Qigong exercise on quality of life for persons with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Persons with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often experience greater distress and poorer quality of life (QOL). QOL is influenced by multidensional factors. The relationship between QOL and these factors in CFS patients are yet to be explored. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of qigong on QOL in persons with CFS. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with Qigong group (n=75, mean age=39) and control group (n=75, mean age=39). Sixteen sessions (twice a week for 8 weeks) of Qigong exercise (called Baduanjin) of 1.5 hours each was delivered. The changes of in physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of SF-12 (a health-related QOL scale) between baseline and post-intervention (T1 - T0) were calculated. Fatigue, anxiety, depression, physical distress and spiritual wellbeing were measured by Chalder’s Fatigue Scale Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) and Body-Mind-Spirit Well-being Inventory (BMSWBI)-physical distress and spirituality subscales. RESULTS: At post-intervention the changes of MCS in qigong and control groups were 7.4 (9.9) vs. 2.0 (8.6) (p=0.001); the changes in PCS were 3.3 (7.4) vs. 1.7 (5.1), p=0.133; and the changes in fatigue were −11.8 (11.4) vs. −4.1(6.5) (p<0.001). Significant differences in changes in anxiety, depression, physical distress and spirituality (all p<0.05) between qigong and control groups were also observed. In multiple regression analysis, changes (T1-T0) in fatigue (B=−0.366, p<0.001), anxiety (B=−0.531, p=0.017) and BMSWBI-spirituality (B=0.126, p=0.002) were identified as the significant explanatory variables for changes in MCS of CFS patients. CONCLUSION: Qigong exercise may significantly improve the MCS but not PCS of QOL of CFS patients. The changes in fatigue, anxiety and spiritual wellbeing were significant determinants for the improvement of QOL-MCS.