Qigong Versus Usual Exercise in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain as an Add-On to a Standardized Physiotherapy Program

TL;DR

This study compared Qigong and strengthening exercises added to physiotherapy for chronic low back pain, finding both effective but no clear advantage for Qigong.

Contribution

The study evaluates Qigong as an add-on to physiotherapy for chronic low back pain, comparing it directly to conventional strengthening exercises.

Findings

Both Qigong and strengthening exercises improved pain, disability, kinesiophobia, and proprioception in participants.

No significant between-group differences were found, though Qigong showed a trend toward better kinesiophobia reduction.

The study suggests the need for longer and larger trials to determine Qigong's potential unique benefits.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Exercise-based interventions, particularly strengthening exercises, are widely used in rehabilitation. However, mind-body approaches such as Qigong, which integrate movement, breath control, and mindfulness, may offer additional psychological benefits. Despite evidence supporting Qigong in pain management, its effectiveness as an adjunct to physiotherapy remains unclear. This study compared the effects of Qigong versus strengthening exercises, integrated into a standardized physiotherapy program, on pain perception, disability, kinesiophobia, and proprioception in CNSLBP patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 42 participants who were assigned to either a Qigong combined with physiotherapy group, or a strengthening exercise combined with physiotherapy group for a duration of four weeks. Pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, SFMPQ), disability (Greek Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMDQ), kinesiophobia (Greek Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK), and proprioception (sway-length on a baropodometer) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Appropriate statistical analyses were conducted for within- and between-group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in pain perception, disability, kinesiophobia, and proprioception (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed. A trend toward greater kinesiophobia reduction in the Qigong group (p=0.069) suggests a potential psychological benefit.

Discussion: Qigong and strengthening exercises, when combined with physiotherapy, are equally effective in improving CNSLBP symptoms. Future research should explore longer interventions (>12 weeks) and larger trials to determine whether Qigong offers distinct advantages over conventional exercise programs.

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