← All sources
A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia.
Single-blind RCT (n=66) of Yang-style tai chi (60 min twice weekly for 12 weeks) versus wellness education plus stretching in fibromyalgia: tai chi produced a large between-group improvement in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score at 12 weeks that remained directionally similar at 24 weeks, with parallel SF-36 physical and mental component gains.
Design
- RCT: 66 adults with fibromyalgia (ACR 1990 criteria); 33 classic Yang-style tai chi vs 33 wellness education + stretching (control)
- Dose: 60 min/session, 2×/week, 12 weeks; reassessed at 24 weeks
- Primary endpoint: change in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score (0–100)
Headline outcomes (12 weeks)
- FIQ: tai chi 62.9±15.5 → 35.1±18.8 vs control 68.0±11.0 → 58.6±17.6; between-group difference in change from baseline −18.4 points (P < 0.001)
- SF-36 physical-component: +7.1 points between-group difference (P = 0.001)
- SF-36 mental-component: +6.1 points (P = 0.03)
- 24 weeks: FIQ between-group difference in change −18.3 points (P < 0.001)
Evidence hygiene
- Single-blind design; control included stretching, not pure wait-list—interpret effect size in that active-context frame.
- n = 66—precise for internal validity, limited for subgroup personalization.
Publication
Wang C, Schmid CH, Rones R, et al. N Engl J Med. 2010 Aug 19;363(8):743–754. PMID 20818876.
Outcomes
- FIQ between-group difference in change from baseline at 12 weeks: −18.4 points (P<0.001); tai chi mean FIQ 62.9±15.5 to 35.1±18.8 vs control 68.0±11.0 to 58.6±17.6.
- SF-36 physical-component between-group difference +7.1 points (P=0.001); mental-component +6.1 points (P=0.03) at 12 weeks per NEJM abstract.
- FIQ between-group difference in change at 24 weeks: −18.3 points (P<0.001), indicating durability of signal in trial follow-up.