“No Pain, More Gain”: Subjective Responses to a T’ai Chi and Qigong Program for Back Pain

Authors

• Yang Yang, Center for Taiji and Qigong Studies
• Karen Caldwell, Appalachian State University
• Robert C. Schlagal, Appalachian State University
• Sharon DeCelle
• Seymour Simmons, Winthrop University
• Lin Yang, Cancer Care Alberta
• Sahar Abduljawad, New York Medical College
• Jay Ayar, Umm Al-Qura University
• Jaspal Ricky Singh, Weill Cornell Medicine
• Robert Sheeler, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
• Patricia R. Flynn, Northwell Health System
• Kenneth A. Knapp, Umm Al-Qura University
• Roger Härtl, Weill Cornell Medicine

DOI

10.1177/27536130251384679

Journal Title

Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-25-2025

Department

Public Health

Keywords

back pain, mind-body, qigong, qualitative study, telemedicine, t’ai chi

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

BackgroundLow back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Multidisciplinary approaches to chronic pain can support resilience in recovery of functioning. The ancient arts of t’ai chi and qigong have been touted for centuries as multimodal approaches to health and healing. An RCT of an on-line t’ai chi and qigong program for individuals with chronic low back pain found clinically significant improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life. The program consisted of the integrated practice of t’ai chi movement and the stillness of qigong practice. Meditations in the program focused on developing positive mental attitudes to support resilience in managing the emotional challenges of pain and disease.ObjectiveThe purpose of the current qualitative study aimed to better understand participants’ experiences during the online Heal and Strengthen the Spine with T’ai Chi and Qigong (HSSTQ) program.MethodsWritten feedback was received from 96 program participants, and semi-structured interviews were completed with 20 participants. Interviews were transcribed and coded based upon the written feedback and interview questions. A thematic narrative was developed from the coded segments of texts and reviewed by participants in a member check.ResultsThree interlocking themes characterized the experiences of participants in the program: (1) participants learned skills to relieve back pain including moderation in movement; (2) the holistic nature of the program enabled a range of benefits for participants beyond pain reduction; and (3) personal healing experience, the enthusiasm of the instructor, the program itself, and available staff resources motivated individuals to participate.ConclusionThe conclusion from this study and the initial RCT is that a virtually delivered integrated tai chi, qigong, and meditation program may be a viable treatment option for adults with low back pain.

Recommended Citation

Yang, Y., Caldwell, K., Schlagal, R., DeCelle, S., Simmons, S., Yang, L., Abduljawad, S., Ayar, J., Singh, J., Sheeler, R., Flynn, P., Knapp, K., & Härtl, R. (2025). “No Pain, More Gain”: Subjective Responses to a T’ai Chi and Qigong Program for Back Pain. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, 14. https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130251384679