Treatment Studies
Tai Chi Mind Body Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Preliminary study to obtain data on the effects of Tai Chi on fibromyalgia pain, sleep quality, physical performance, depression and overall health.
Sponsor: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in collaboration with the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation
Recruiting for Interventional Study: Sixty people with fibromyalgia are being sought to participate twice a week in this 12-week pilot program. Researchers will stop accepting participants in May 2009. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a simplified Tai Chi program taught by a very experienced Tai Chi Master, or a stretching and wellness education program. Classes will be taught in the afternoons at Tuffs Medical Center in Boston. Participants may continue on currently prescribed therapies (i.e., this study is to look at the additional effects of a Tai Chi or stretching/education program).
Background and Previous Studies: Tai Chi combines patterns of slow, gentle movement coordinated with deep breathing and relaxation. It is used to tone muscles, improve health, and reduce stress in healthy individuals. Several small preliminary studies of Tai Chi as a therapy for patients with chronic illnesses other than fibromyalgia showed several improvements including balance, reduced blood pressure, and risks of fall in the elderly.1 Patients with a history of heart failure, heart attack, or coronary bypass surgery were able to perform tai chi without negative effects. One study with fibromyalgia patients also showed beneficial results.2 People with osteoarthritis may benefit, but the data for rheumatoid arthritis is mixed.3
Study Criteria (key requirements):
- male or female, 21 years or older
- must meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia
- must be physically able to participate in both the Tai Chi and the stretching and education programs
- can remain on any current medication
- cannot have a health condition that limits ability to participate as determined by primary care physician
- cannot have other diagnosed medical conditions that are known to contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms that are not under adequate control (i.e., thyroid disease, inflammatory arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis and vasculitis or Sjogren's syndrome)
Study Location:
Boston, MA 02111
Tufts-New England Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology
Reasonable drive distance is recommended. Participants are encouraged to take the train to avoid parking hassles.
Contact:
Chenchen Wang, M.D., M.Sc.
Phone: (617) 636-3251
E-mail: cwang2@tufts-nemc.org
Click here for information on the Tufts Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology
Click here for more information on the FM and tai chi study.
1. Wang C, et al. Arch Intern Med 164(5):493-501, 2004.
2. Taggart HM, el at. Orthop Nurs 22(5):353-60, 2003.
3. Lee MS, et al. Rheumatology 46(11):1648-51, 2007.
The Fibromyalgia Network is not in any way associated with any clinical trials, pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, or government agencies. As a self-help organization, we accept no sponsorship, advertisements, or government funds. The information on these pages is provided as a public service.
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