Immune Biomarkers in Fibromyalgia After a Qigong Programme: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Study

Qigong is an ancient Chinese psychosomatic system with a fascinating holistic approach to health, which exerts remarkable physical and mental benefits. Nevertheless, this method has been scarcely investigated in fibromyalgia, and although a significant amount of research has focused on the immune effects of qigong, its action on immune parameters of individuals with fibromyalgia has never been studied to date. Thus, the aim of the present study was, therefore, to explore the effects of a qigong programme on white blood cells and other immune parameters in individuals with this syndrome.

39 individuals participated in the study, 16 in the experimental group and 23 in the control. Experimental individuals participated in a 4-week qigong programme. Blood samples for the quantification of immune parameters (leukocyte count, number and percentage of specific leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, as well as concentrations of immunoglobulins and complement) were drawn from all participants before the experiment commenced and after it concluded.

The experimental group displayed a significantly lower value in the number of specific lymphocytes subsets such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD45, as well as in the percentage of total lymphocytes. In addition, the experimental group exhibited a greater percentage of CD19 and a higher concentration of C3.

The practice of qigong for a short period of 1 month was associated with significant changes of diverse immunological biomarkers in individuals with fibromyalgia. These changes were characterized by a higher number of numerous lymphocyte subsets, while at the same time a lower concentration of C3 and of the percentage of some lymphocyte subtype in these individuals. While it is tempting to speculate the implications of the broad immunomodulation associated with qigong practice in fibromyalgia syndrome, further research into the immune effects of this Taoist mind-body practice is needed.