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

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Qigong, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, offers holistic health benefits but is understudied in fibromyalgia.
• While qigong's immune effects are researched, its impact on fibromyalgia immune parameters remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a qigong program on white blood cells and immune parameters in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week qigong program was administered to an experimental group (16 participants).
• A control group (23 participants) did not undergo qigong intervention.
• Blood samples were analyzed pre- and post-intervention for immune parameters, including leukocyte counts, lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, and complement levels.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significant reductions in specific lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD45) and total lymphocyte percentage.
• A notable increase in CD19 percentage and C3 complement concentration was observed in the qigong group.

Conclusions:

• One month of qigong practice induced significant changes in various immunological biomarkers in fibromyalgia patients.
• Observed immunomodulation suggests potential benefits, but further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms and implications for fibromyalgia management.