The immediate effects of qigong practice (guan yin zi zai gong level 1) on chronic non-specific low back pain in office workers

Abstract

Introduction: Qigong practice, a traditional Chinese medicine exercise, composes of both dynamic and static posture as well as uncomplicated posture. It seems to be an alternative method for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) patients, especially among office workers who are frequently exposed to repetitive movement and prolong static posture. However, the effect of Qigong for CNLBP in office workers is still inconclusive. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of Qigong practice, Guan Yin Zi Zai Gong level 1, among office workers with CNLBP under the randomized controlled trial research design. Methodology: A Randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-two office workers with CNLBP were screened by primary care physicians for inclusion/ exclusion criteria (age between 20-40 years; sitting period more than 4 hours per day) and were divided randomly allocated by computer program into 2 groups: Qigong and waitlist (served as control) group (n=36 each). The participants in Qigong group were received a two hours per week Qigong practice class (Guan Yin Zi Zai Gong level 1) for 6 weeks. The waitlist group was received general advice for low back pain management. After 6 weeks, the participants in waitlist group were received the same practice as the Qigong group. The primary outcomes were pain intensity and back functional disability. The secondary outcomes were back range of motion, heart rate, respiratory rate and mental status. Results: As compared to baseline, Qigong group significantly decreased pain intensity and back functional disability. No statistically significant difference of these parameters was found in waitlist group. As compared between groups, Qigong exercise also significantly decreased pain intensity, back functional disability and secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Qigong practice (Guan Yin Zi Zai Gong level 1) may be an alternative choice for treatment the CNLBP in office workers.