Mixed exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Fibromyalgia management often includes exercise recommendations.
• This review updates previous research on exercise for fibromyalgia syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the benefits and harms of mixed exercise training for fibromyalgia.
• Comparisons included control, non-exercise, and other exercise interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Included adults with fibromyalgia, comparing mixed exercise (aerobic, resistance, flexibility) to controls.
• Assessed outcomes like quality of life, pain, fatigue, physical function, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Moderate-quality evidence suggests mixed exercise improves health-related quality of life, physical function, and fatigue compared to controls.
• Pain and stiffness may also improve, though evidence quality is lower.
• Withdrawal and adverse event rates were similar to controls, with no reported injuries, but symptom flares occurred.

Conclusions:

• Mixed exercise likely offers benefits for fibromyalgia patients, particularly in physical function.
• Evidence on long-term effects and comparisons to other interventions is limited and of very low quality.
• While generally well-tolerated, more research is needed on safety and long-term efficacy.