Feasibility and effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program in children with fibromyalgia: Results of a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Objective. To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week exercise intervention in children with fibromyalgia (FM) and to explore the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on physical fitness, function, pain, FM symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). Methods. FM patients ages 8 -18 years were randomized to a 12-week exercise intervention of either aerobics or qigong. Both groups participated in 3 weekly training sessions. Program adherence and safety were monitored at each session. Data were collected at 3 testing sessions, 2 prior to and 1 after the intervention, and included FM symptoms, function, pain, QOL, and fitness measures. Results. Thirty patients participated in the trial. Twenty-four patients completed the program; 4 patients dropped out prior to training and 2 dropped out of the aerobics program. Better adherence was reported in the aerobics group than in the qigong group (67% versus 61%). Significant improvements in physical function, functional capacity, QOL, and fatigue were observed in the aerobics group. Anaerobic function, tender point count, pain, and symptom severity improved similarly in both groups. Conclusion. It is feasible to conduct an exercise intervention trial in children with FM. Children with FM tolerate moderate-intensity exercise without exacerbation of their disease. Significant improvements in physical function, FM symptoms, QOL, and pain were demonstrated in both exercise groups; the aerobics group performed better in several measures compared with the qigong group. Future studies may need larger sample sizes to confirm clinical improvement and to detect differences in fitness in childhood FM.

Bidirectional associations between pain and physical activity in adolescents

“…It is also unclear whether specific exercise interventions may be beneficial in pediatric pain populations. In the few studies conducted to date, aerobic exercise programs have been effective in reducing pain in community-based samples of adolescents with low back pain 41 , and in clinical samples of youth with fibromyalgia 42 . Future research is needed to understand the potential benefits of physical activity interventions in youth with chronic pain.…”

Dor musculoesquelética idiopática difusa na infância e na adolescência

“…A utilização de técnicas como relaxamento, reeducação postural, cinesioterapia e meios físicos (massoterapia, hidroterapia, frio, calor, estimulação elétrica, entre outros) proporciona alívio sintomático da dor, possibilitando a redução do uso de medicamentos (16) . Em estudo piloto de pacientes entre oito e 18 anos, randomizados para uma intervenção com 12 semanas de exercício com sessões de treino semanais, foi demonstrado que crianças com fibromialgia toleram os exercícios aeróbios de intensidade moderada, sem exacerbação da doença e com melhorias significativas na função física (17) . Outros estudos indicam que o tratamento com exercício físico orientado, quando comparado com um grupo controle sem exercício, pode ter efeitos positivos na redução da dor (17) .…”

“…Em estudo piloto de pacientes entre oito e 18 anos, randomizados para uma intervenção com 12 semanas de exercício com sessões de treino semanais, foi demonstrado que crianças com fibromialgia toleram os exercícios aeróbios de intensidade moderada, sem exacerbação da doença e com melhorias significativas na função física (17) . Outros estudos indicam que o tratamento com exercício físico orientado, quando comparado com um grupo controle sem exercício, pode ter efeitos positivos na redução da dor (17) . Revisões sistemáticas vem sendo feitas com o intuito de comprovar a eficácia de terapias psicológicas para o manejo da dor crônica e recorrente em crianças.…”

Mind Body Therapies in the Rehabilitation Program of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

“…In a subsequent study, FMS patients treated with a 7 weeks protocol of QG significantly improved in pain, psychological health and distress in respect to a control group, with the data confirmed after a 4 months long period (Haak et al, 2008). However, when tested in children affected with FMS, QG was as effective as aerobic exercise in improving anaerobic function, tender point count, pain, and symptom severity, but did not ameliorate physical function, functional capacity, quality of life, and fatigue, that were improved only in the group performing aerobic exercises (Stephens et al, 2008). The contradictory results derived from these studies are probably due to the differences on QG techniques used, period of application and selection of patients.…”