The Impact of a Group-Based Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program on the Quality of Life in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background and Objective Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have a substantially reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Their management should preferably focus on multidisciplinary nonpharmacological interventions. However, the long-term impact of such multicomponent therapies is not fully established. Waiting lists for patients seeking medical treatment are long, making individual-based approaches often unfeasible. The aim of our pragmatic study was to evaluate long-term HRQoL benefits of a comprehensive 8-week group-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation program focusing on patients' coping ability and self-care. Methods A total of 94 patients with clinically confirmed FM agreed to participate in this study. Before entering the program based on group-based cognitive behavioral therapy and graded activity training, patients completed questionnaires to screen for comorbidities. Health-related quality of life was assessed at the start, at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey instrument. Changes in HRQoL scores were analyzed according to linear mixed regression modeling. Results Baseline findings confirmed the substantially low physical and mental HRQoL in FM patients as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Only 2 patients left the program prematurely; 89% participated in the 1-year assessment. By the end of the program, HRQoL was significantly improved in all domains. This effect was maintained at 6 months and 1 year for all subscales. Changes at 1 year were greater in younger patients and those with depressive feelings before the start of treatment. Conclusions Our group-based program offered to FM patients proved successful with significant improvements in their HRQoL both in the short and long term.

Clustering fibromyalgia patients: A combination of psychosocial and somatic factors leads to resilient coping in a subgroup of fibromyalgia patients

“…These options are based on known effects on immune system and mental health published since now. Besides drug therapy there are potential alternative anti-inflammatory and microbiome-influencing therapies [12, 54, 63, 77-81] to support the immune system and mental health, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness based (MBSR / MBCT) therapies to support adaptive coping [82, 83], and exercise training with beneficial effects on fatigue, pain and mood [84, 85]. Positive activity interventions (PAI) that promote positive affect, acceptance, feeling of support and coherence and show a long-term persistent effect on pain relief and FMS related symptoms like depressive mood might be helpful [86].…”

“…The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted July 10, 2020. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.08.20148130 doi: medRxiv preprint 29 to support the immune system and mental health, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness based (MBSR / MBCT) therapies to support adaptive coping [82,83], and exercise training with beneficial effects on fatigue, pain and mood [84,85]. Positive activity interventions (PAI) that promote positive affect, acceptance, feeling of support and coherence and show a long-term persistent effect on pain relief and FMS related symptoms like depressive mood might be helpful [86].…”

Impact of Repeated Lidocaine Injections, Exercise, and Mindfulness on Fibromyalgia Symptoms in a Clinical Population

“…An important aspect of this approach is the patient-specific adjustments to these treatments. An overall improved HRQoL for those with FM was found when combining a multidisciplinary approach in combination with analgesics or antidepressants (Jacobs et al, 2019). With this research in mind, interventions that are both holistic, supportive, and individually tailored to the patient may be the most effective treatment for FM patients.…”

Oral Health and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systemic Review

“…Fibromyalgia therefore has clear correlations at the level of TMJ and oral health. In particular, as can be seen from the results, patients with TMD and FM show an increase in symptoms [41][42][43][44][45]. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed due to the exclusion of other pathologies and subsequent palpation of the tender points, although it is the patient's overall symptomatic picture that leads to diagnosis.…”