Resistance exercise training improves heart rate variability in women with fibromyalgia

Abstract

SummaryFibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by generalized muscle pain, low muscle strength and autonomic dysfunction. Heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) is reduced in individuals with FM increasing their risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We tested the hypothesis that resistance exercise training (RET) improves HRV, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and muscle strength in women with FM. Women with FM (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 9), aged 27-60 years, were compared at baseline. Only women with FM underwent supervised RET 2 days per week for 16 weeks. Baseline and post-training measurements included HRV and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS, alpha index) from continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure (BP) recorded with finger plethysmography during 5 min in the supine position. RR interval, total power, log transformed (Ln) squared root of the standard deviation of RR interval (RMSSD), low-frequency power and BRS were lower (P<0AE05), and HR and pulse pressure were higher (P<0AE05) in women with FM than in healthy controls. After RET, mean (SEM) total power increased (387 ± 170 ms 2 , P<0AE05), RMSSD increased (0AE18 ± 0AE08 Ln ms, P<0AE05) and Ln of high-frequency power increased (0AE54 ± 0AE27 Ln ms 2 , P = 0AE08) in women with FM. Upper and lower body muscle strength increased by 63% and 49% (P<0AE001), and pain perception decreased by 39% in women with FM. There were no changes in BRS, HR and BP after RET. Our study demonstrates that RET improves total power, cardiac parasympathetic tone, pain perception and muscle strength in women with FM who had autonomic dysfunction before the exercise programme.

Effect of 4 weeks of aerobic or resistance exercise training on arterial stiffness, blood flow and blood pressure in pre- and stage-1 hypertensives

“…Our finding of increased vascular conductance following the resistance training might also suggest that an increase in sympathetic tone was unlikely, but changes in vascular conductance and sympathetic tone have been shown to be dissociated. 47 Several studies have also shown an increase in parasympathetic tone following resistance training, [48][49][50] which may argue against an increase in sympathetic tone as an explanation for our findings. However, Figueroa et al 48 studied women with fibromyalgia, a vastly different population than hypertensives.…”

“…47 Several studies have also shown an increase in parasympathetic tone following resistance training, [48][49][50] which may argue against an increase in sympathetic tone as an explanation for our findings. However, Figueroa et al 48 studied women with fibromyalgia, a vastly different population than hypertensives. As they observed a decrease in pain concomitant with an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) and indices of vagal tone and these changes were related, it is likely that the improvement in vagal tone was really a function of the decrease in pain.…”

Efeito do treinamento resistido em paciente com fibromialgia: estudo de caso

“…Figueroa et al (2008) reforçam este achado ao encontrarem associação entre disfunção autonômica pelo prejuízo do baroreflexo e a gravidade da FM. Taylor et al (2013) também analisaram o papel do sistema nervoso na dor e verificaram que a estimulação elétrica transcraniana foi capaz de reduzir a atividade neural nas regiões que modulam a dor sugerindo que a manipulação de circuitos centrais também pode estar associada com o alívio da dor.…”

O treinamento de força com e sem o uso da plataforma vibratória é capaz de modular a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em repouso?

“…Esses resultados podem representar um indicativo de uma maior atividade vagal no grupo que realizou o treinamento sobre a plataforma vibratória. Os poucos estudos que mostraram diferenças nos parâmetros da VFC após TF foram feitos com populações especiais, como em mulheres com fibromialgia (FIGUEROA et al, 2008) e em idosos hipertensos (TAYLOR et al, 2003). Até o presente momento o mesmo não foi observado em estudos com amostra de adultos jovens saudáveis (COOKE;CARTER, 2005).…”