Effectiveness of Activity Management Among Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Chronic pain management
• Rehabilitation science

Background:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) significantly impacts daily activity behaviors and participation.
• Integrating activity pacing strategies into occupational therapy offers a potential avenue for improved chronic pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of activity management (AM) in women with FMS.
• To assess improvements in activity patterns, FMS-related limitations, occupational performance, occupational balance, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 31 women diagnosed with FMS.
• The intervention group received twice-weekly, 4-week online AM sessions incorporating pacing, mindfulness, ergonomics, and energy conservation techniques.
• Outcomes were measured using validated instruments at baseline and study completion.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in activity pacing (6.7% to 60%) and reductions in overdoing and avoidance behaviors.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in activity patterns (p = .012), FMS symptoms (p = .004), occupational satisfaction (p = .001), and quality of life related to pain (p = .003).

Conclusions:

• Activity management (AM) is an effective intervention for reducing FMS symptoms and maladaptive activity patterns in women.
• AM, as a person-centered, web-based model, shows promise for improving occupational performance and quality of life in FMS patients.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is warranted to confirm these findings.