The role of home-training in the management of fibromyalgia - a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Our 6-week randomized, single-blind controlled clinical trial (included 56 Caucasians patients - 9 males, 47 females - average age 51.3 years) evaluated the efficacy of home-aerobic training for reducing pain and associated symptoms in patients with primary fibromyalgia.
Patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 – twenty nine patients (G1) was treated by complex therapy (patient education, pharmacotherapy, TENS, massage, physical training – five times a week for the two weeks, follow-up by a 6 week home-training program), and group 2 – twenty-seven patients (G2) acted as controls, receiving no home-training program. Parameters measured were: the number of tender points (NO), pain (visual analogue scale - VAS), perceived exertion and quality of life (Spitzer scale), value of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).
The statistical analysis was performed with the use of a SPSS (Windows version 6.1).
The quality of life, assessed with Spitzer scale, had significant improvement only for G1. Home-training patients showed significant improvement in the mean pain score compared to control group, and were significantly more likely to have 56.5 % reduction in pain from baseline Improvements in self-reported disability were seen with the home-training group (FIQ had 14.5 % reduction in G1) as compared to the control group (FIQ had only 6 % reduction). The number of tender points for patients in the G1 decreased significantly more than the number for those in the G2.
Individually tailored exercise programmes including aerobic exercise and strength training can be beneficial to some patients with fibromyalgia.

Key words:

fibromyalgia, home-training, quality of life