Effects of Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Pain, Flexibility, Balance and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The functional deficits in people with fibromyalgia can be related to the level of physical activity performed. This study investigated the effectiveness of an active exercise programme versus exercise for well-being improving pain, flexibility, static balance, perceived exertion and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia; Methods: A randomised, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled and randomised to an active exercise program group (n = 47), where they performed physical active exercises, an exercise for well-being group (n = 47), which performed the Qi Gong exercises named ‘the twenty Wang Ziping figures for health and longevity’, and a control group (n = 47), which did not receive any intervention, for a period of 4 weeks. Measures were taken at baseline and after the treatment. The primary outcome measures were static balance and centre of gravity (Wii-Fit Nintendo ©), flexibility (test de Wells and Dillon), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Spanish-Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). The secondary outcome measure was the perceived exertion during activity (BORG Scale). Results: In total, 93 participants completed the study. The mean value of the age was 52.24 ± 6.19. The post intervention results showed statistically significant improvements in the exercise for well-being and the active exercise programme groups vs. the control group in relation to pain (p = 0.006 active exercise programme group, p = 0.001 exercise for well-being group), static balance (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group) and quality of life (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group, p = 0.002 exercise for well-being group). In addition, the mean scores related to perceived fatigue during the sessions were 6.30 ± 1.88 for the active exercise programme group and 5.52 ± 1.55 for the exercise for well-being group. These differences were not significant. Conclusions: The active exercise program and exercise for well-being improved flexibility, static balance, pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. The participants of the active exercise programme achieved better results that those of the exercise for well-being.

Are OMERACT recommendations followed in clinical trials on fibromyalgia? A systematic review of patient-reported outcomes and their measures

“…In terms of reliability, the most frequently reported index for internal consistency reliability was Cronbach’s alpha. It was reported in 15.2% of the studies, although only six studies (5.7%) presented it for all instruments administered in the study [ 32 , 60 , 61 , 110 , 122 , 124 ]. In four studies (3.8%) Cronbach’s alpha was calculated from the present study sample [ 58 , 74 , 97 , 125 ].…”

Can Exercise Affect the Pain Characteristics in Patients with Fibromyalgia? A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Compared to other types of exercise, aerobic exercise has been preferred [ 12 ]. Aerobic exercise has been documented in many studies as the appropriate exercise to reduce pain levels [ 13 ]. Mixed-type exercise combining aerobic exercise with strength training is unclear in its effectiveness on pain in patients with fibromyalgia [ 14 ].…”

The role of cannabis in treatment‐resistant fibromyalgia women

“…Non pharmacological treatment includes education, 10 cognitive therapies, 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 and passive versus active physical therapies. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 Passive treatment modalities may include massages, acupuncture, 21 and additional alternative medicine treatments, 8 , 13 , 22 , 23 , 24 while active physical therapies include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, yoga, Pilates, and aerobic activities. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 Pharmacological treatments consist of analgesics (opiates and non‐opiates), non‐Steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Tricyclic antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and Gabapentinoids.…”

“…Non pharmacological treatment includes education, 10 cognitive therapies, [11][12][13][14][15] and passive versus active physical therapies. [16][17][18][19][20] Passive treatment modalities may include massages, acupuncture, 21 and additional alternative medicine treatments, 8,13,[22][23][24] while active physical therapies…”