 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Helen M. Taggart, DSN, RN, CS, Department of Nursing, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406, 912/921-7312, taggarhe@mail.armstrong.edu
Fibromyalgia (FM), one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorders, is associated with high levels of impaired health and inadequate or limited symptom relief. The cause of this complex syndrome is unknown and there is no known cure. Analysis of the research indicates that a combination of physical exercise and mind-body therapy is effective in symptom management. T’ai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise, combines physical exercise with mind-body therapy. Therefore the purpose of this intervention study was to ascertain the effects of T’ai Chi exercise on FM symptoms and health status.
Participants (n = 39) were recruited from the local FM support group. The intervention consisted of 6 weeks of twice weekly 1-hour T’ai Chi classes. Pre- and post-exercise measures included fibromyalgia symptoms and health status. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements were associated with subscales for both FM symptoms (scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and health status (scores on the SF-36).
This research was funded by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses and supported by the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System Center for Wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.