A 12-week physical training program – effects on fibromyalgia patients

Abstract

Background. Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, depression or anxiety and cognitive alterations. It has several therapy options, physical exercise being one of the most recommended. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combined training program on pain and associated symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. Methods The study included 34 patients who underwent a 12-week physical training program. The program included 3 weeks of flexibility exercises, 3 weeks of postural hygiene and balance exercises, 3 weeks of aerobic exercises and 3 weeks of Pilates. We monitored the number of tender points, pain rated by the patient and measured with a digital algometer in 6 points of the body, level of anxiety and depression and disease impact. All the parameters were evaluated before and after the program, as well as 4 months after the program was over. Results: The average number of tender points dropped from an initial 12 to 5.6, scores for pain registered a 43% decrease and disease impact diminished from 53.1 to 39.1 (p<0.001). The pain threshold indicated by the algometer improved on all measured points. Positive results in these parameters were still observed at follow-up. No significant results were found for depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: a mixed training program improves the level of pain, number of tender points, disease impact and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.

Key words:

fibromyalgia, mixed training program, algometry, pain