Tai Chi Has Similar or Greater Benefits Than Aerobic Exercise for Fibromyalgia, Study Shows

An estimated 5 million American adults have fibromyalgia, a disorder that involves widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, and other symptoms. Tai chi – a practice of Chinese origin that combines meditation with deep breathing, relaxation, and gentle movements – may be helpful for symptoms of fibromyalgia.

In a study partially funded by NCCIH, tai chi was compared to aerobic exercise, the most commonly prescribed nondrug treatment for fibromyalgia, in 226 adults with this condition. The study participants were randomly assigned to either exercise classes or tai chi sessions. After 24 weeks, both groups improved, but the tai chi group showed more improvement than the exercise group.