Clinical Findings
Virtual Tai Chi and Qigong Program for Chronic Low Back Pain
Published: September 2024, NASS Journal
Study Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), 350 participants
Health Focus: Chronic Pain Relief, Physical Function, Sleep Quality, Overall Well-being
Summary:
Our comprehensive 12-week online Tai Chi and Qigong program demonstrated significant improvements in chronic back pain relief, pain-related disability, and overall quality of life, validated by a rigorous RCT. These results affirm the effectiveness of our approach, combining movement with meditation, in providing long-term benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain. Read the Full Article
Key Results:
Pain-Related Disability: Reduced by an average of 8 points after 16 weeks, showing a substantial improvement in participants’ ability to perform daily tasks with reduced pain.
Pain Intensity: Pain levels decreased by an average of 1.2 points on a 10-point scale, offering significant relief.
Sleep Quality: A 1-point improvement on the PSQI scale, contributing to more restful sleep.
Quality of Life: A 14-point improvement on the SF-36 scale, indicating enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
Qualitative Insights (From Ongoing Research):
In addition to the RCT findings, qualitative data collected from participants sheds light on the personal and emotional impact of the program. Interviews and feedback revealed that participants experienced holistic health benefits beyond pain relief, including improved function and personal motivation. Key insights include:
Broad Accessibility: Participants at different stages of pain and disability could engage with the program, demonstrating its flexibility.
Holistic Benefits: The integrated practice of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation provided varied health benefits, tailored to each participant's unique condition.
Participant Motivation: Personal healing experiences, the enthusiasm of the instructor, and the supportive program environment encouraged active engagement.
Implication:
Both the qualitative findings and the RCT results suggest that this virtually delivered, evidence-based program may offer a powerful, scalable, and adaptable solution for chronic back pain, supporting long-term pain management and improved quality of life.
Learn more about our research at https://centerfortaiji.org
