Researchers in Sweden compared the effectiveness of Qigong with exercise therapy in patients with long-term nonspecific neck pain (Lansinger et al., 2007). A total of 122 patients were involved in the study and received either Qigong or exercise therapy. Seventy percent of the participants were women with the mean age of 44 years. The patients received a maximum of 12 treatments in 3 months.
In the patients, clinical and demographic characteristics were similar. Conditions in both qigong and exercise therapy groups significantly improved after the treatment. The effects were maintained at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups in 5 of 8 outcome variables. The variables analyzed included average neck pain in the most recent week, current neck pain, neck disability, neck pain diary, and cervical range of motion in rotation.
These findings suggest that Qigong or exercise therapy can help reduce pain and disability. These interventions are recommended for those with long-term nonspecific neck pain.
Reference:
Lansinger, B., Larsson, E., et al. (2007) Qigong and exercise therapy in patients with long-term neck pain: a prospective randomized trial. Spine 32, 2415-2422.
