Positive Effects of Conscious Connected Breathing Exercises on Sexual Function, Sleep, and Mood in Women with...

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic rheumatic disorder characterised by body pain, decreased pain threshold and psychological distress. Our aim is to investigate the effects of breathing exercises on sexual function, sleep, and mood in FMS.

This is a cross-sectional study comparing psychological assessments conducted prior to and following breathing exercises. Participants completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Jenkins Sleep Rating Scale (JSS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Scores were analysed for comparison to controls.

A total of 56 women were enrolled to the study (30 intervention group, 26 controls). The mean age was 50.79 ± 9.06 years in intervention group. There were no statistical difference between groups occupational status (p > 0.05). The FIQ, HADS-depression, HADS anxiety, JSS and FSFI scores were similar between groups before breathing exercises (p > 0.05). FIQ, HADS depression- HADS anxiety, JSS scores after breathing exercises were better comparing to controls, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively. Although all symptoms were alleviated, the FSFI scores were not higher than FSD (Female sexual dysfunction) cut off value in intervention group after breathing exercises (p=0.033). The total FSFI score less than 26.55 was the cut-off for FSD. All of the participants had FSD.

Breathing exercises can positively influence quality of sleep, anxiety, depression, and sexual life in patients with FMS. Incorporating breathing exercises into the curriculum may be considered to balance the quality of life for women with FMS.