Fibromyalgia syndrome, a chronic condition typically characterized by widespread pain, nonrestorative sleep, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other somatic symptoms, negatively impacts physical and emotional function and reduces quality of life. Exercise is commonly recommended in the management of people with fibromyalgia, and interest in examining exercise benefits for those with the syndrome has grown substantially over the past 25 years. Research supports aerobic and strength training to improve physical fitness and function, reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, and improve quality of life. However, other forms of exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga, Nordic walking, vibration techniques) and lifestyle physical activity also have been investigated to determine their effects. This paper highlights findings from recent randomized controlled trials and reviews of exercise for people with fibromyalgia, and includes information regarding factors that influence response and adherence to exercise to assist clinicians with exercise and physical activity prescription decision-making to optimize health and well-being.

Background: Research objectives should be focused toward advancing knowledge that has meaningful impact on health. However, research agendas are mostly driven by the health care community, with limited input from patients. Aims: In this study, prioirities of uncertainties for the management of fibromyalgia (FM) that could propel future research were identified by a defined process using the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (JLA-PSP) methodology. Methods: As a first step, a survey was distributed across Canada that engaged patients, caregivers, and health care professionals to provide narrative input to eight open-ended questions regarding FM care. Responses were thematically condensed and synthesized into an initial list of 43 uncertainties used to guide a comprehensive literature search. Questions already effectively addressed in the literature were excluded, leaving 25 uncertainties that were ranked during a one-day consensus workshop. Results: Three broad themes emerged: the value of personalized targeted treatment and subgrouping of patients; the efficacy of various self-management strategies and educational initiatives; and identification of the ideal health care setting to provide FM care. Opioids and cannabinoids were the only specific pharmacologic interventions ranked as needing further research. Conclusions: The prioritized questions highlight the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of FM symptoms, the need for a personalized treatment approach, and a better understanding of the value of self-management strategies. This is the first study that uses an established and transparent methodology to engage all FM stakeholders to help inform researchers and funding bodies of clinically relevant research priorities.

Objectives Traditional knowledge dissemination methods have been ineffective in leading to timely and widespread changes in clinical practice. Social media has the potential to reach broader audiences than more traditional methods to disseminate research findings. We evaluated the effectiveness of using social media to mobilize knowledge about pain in dementia. Methods We developed an online repository of evidence-based content (e.g., guidelines, assessment approaches) and a video about pain in dementia. The video was uploaded on YouTube, a video sharing platform. We collaborated with stakeholder organizations on a 5-month social media campaign (#SeePainMoreClearly) on Twitter, a social networking site, to disseminate digital content about pain in dementia. The response to our initiatives was evaluated using web/social media metrics, a video questionnaire, and by comparing the extent of Twitter discussions about pain in dementia before and during the campaign period. Results Web metrics showed a great reach of the initiative: the #SeePainMoreClearly hashtag received over 5,000,000 impressions and was used in 31 countries. The online repository was viewed by 1,218 individuals from 55 countries and the video resulted in 51,000 views. Comparisons between the pre-campaign and campaign periods demonstrated a higher number of posts about pain in dementia during the campaign period. Conclusion Findings have implications for closing the knowledge-to-practice gap in dementia care through faster mobilization of scientific findings. Our campaign compares favorably to other health information dissemination initiatives. The methodologies used in the study could serve as a framework for the development of social media initiatives in other health disciplines.

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