Gradual Strength Training Improves Sleep Quality, Physical Function and Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic and generalized musculoskeletal pain. There is currently no cure for FM, but alternative treatments are available. Among them, gradual strength training programs (ST) which on daily activities are a valid option to improve some of the pronounced symptoms of FM that affect quality of life, such as fatigue, pain, sleep quality, and physical function. However, there is a need for more information on optimal training programs to improve anxiety and fatigue symptoms.

To analyze the effects of a 24-week gradual and progressive ST on sleep quality, fatigue, pain domains, physical function, and anxiety-state.

41 women with FM participated in the 24 weeks of intervention based on gradual and progressive ST. Two, 60 min, training sessions per week were con-ducted. Participants were evaluated before the ST program (week 0), in week 12 and at the end of the ST program (week 24). The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality and fatigue scales. Anxiety-state was evaluated with the State Anxiety Inventory, and pain domains by means of the Brief Pain Inventory. Senior Fitness Test was used for physical function measurements. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess the mean differences between phases, and Spearman's correlations were used to assess the associations between physical and psychological symptoms, and physical function.

The results demonstrated that 24 weeks of ST improves physical function, sleep quality and pain domains (p ≤ 0.05). Higher anxiety and pain interference scores were related to worsening physical function.

Gradual ST significantly improves sleep quality, pain, and physical function, but not anxiety and fatigue.