Related Experiment Videos
Prescribed exercise in people with fibromyalgia: parallel group randomised controlled trial
Selwyn C M Richards1, David L Scott
1Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Poole, Dorset BH15 2JB. srichards@poole-tr.swest.nhs.uk
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|July 27, 2002
Summary
Cardiovascular fitness exercise significantly improved fibromyalgia symptoms and reduced tender points compared to relaxation techniques. Graded aerobic exercise offers a simple, effective treatment for fibromyalgia, with benefits sustained at one year.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
- Current treatments offer limited relief for many patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiovascular fitness exercise in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
- To compare graded aerobic exercise with relaxation and flexibility exercises.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 132 fibromyalgia patients.
- Interventions included prescribed graded aerobic exercise versus relaxation and flexibility exercises.
- Outcomes measured included self-reported improvement, tender point count, and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scores.
Main Results:
- Significantly more participants in the aerobic exercise group reported substantial improvement at three months (35% vs 18%).
- Benefits were maintained or improved at one year, with fewer patients meeting fibromyalgia criteria in the exercise group (P=0.01).
- Aerobic exercise led to greater reductions in tender point counts (P=0.02) and fibromyalgia impact scores (P=0.07).
Conclusions:
- Prescribed graded aerobic exercise is a simple, inexpensive, and effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
- This intervention is potentially widely accessible for fibromyalgia management.