THU0323 The Benefits of 6 Week Home Training Program in Females with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome expressed by chronic widespread pain which leads to reduced physical function and frequent use of healthcare services (1). The beneficial effects of a relaxation training and aerobic exercise in the management of fibromyalgia (FM) patients were recognized (2).ObjectivesIn our study - a single blind randomized controlled trial – was assessed the effects of a standardized 6 week home training (relaxation training – autotraining Scultz and submaximal aerobic exercise daily) on pain, functional ability, and quality of life in females with FM.Methods36 females diagnosed with FM by ACR criteria were randomized into two groups: group 1 – 18 females (G1) was treated by complex therapy (pharmacotherapy, 6 week home training), and group 2 – 18 females control (G2), receiving only pharmacotherapy. We measured pain (quantified with algometer and visual analogue scale), quality of life (Spitzer scale) and value of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Instruction in home training techniques was given by physiotherapists.ResultsThe improvements were found FIQ (45.5% in G1 and 28.5% in G 2, respectively) (p<0.05) and improvement in G1 was significantly higher than G2 (p<0.01). VAS scores for pain reduced in all females; this reduction was significantly higher in G1. The algometer values measured in tender points decreased significantly, especially in lower limbs. The quality of life (Spitzer Scale) was significant improved in G1 group (51%).ConclusionsHome training program, based on relaxation training and aerobic exercises, can lead to long-term success for quality of life and clinical status in females with FM. All patients proved compliance to the daily training protocol (autotraining Schultz and submaximal aerobic program) was daily applied in the management of females with FM, especially. Early implementation of self management training in association with controlled medication may be a successful key for improvement of quality of life in females with FM.ReferencesBusch A.J., Schachter C.L., Overend T.J. et.al., J Rheumatol. 2008; 35(6):1130-44.Persson A.L., Veenhuizen H., Zachrison L., Gard G., Physical Therapy Reviews 2008; Volume 13, Issue 5, pp. 355-365.Disclosure of InterestNone declared

Self-management for chronic widespread pain including fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Health professionals included physiotherapists, psychologists, rheumatologists, general practitioners, nurses and social workers. Three abstract-only studies did not explicitly state how the intervention was delivered [41][42][43]. In two studies, group sessions were part of inpatient programmes of one week [44] and four weeks [32].…”

“…Ten studies did not provide data sufficient to be included in a meta-analysis: Three studies [47,49,63] reported no significant differences in pain outcome between intervention and control conditions at short-term follow-up. Four studies reported significant reductions in pain severity compared to control groups at short-term follow-up [39,43,59,69]. Amris et al, [31] and Lorig et al, [31,38] measured pain with a focus on long-term outcomes; they…”

“…The FIQ total measure was included in 20 studies. Seven studies did not include sufficient data for meta-analyses: Three studies reported significant reductions in total FIQ score compared to control conditions at short-term follow-up [43,56,71]. Three studies reported no significant differences between One study showed no significant difference between SM intervention and active control.…”

“…They reported significant differences in the intervention group at post-treatment follow-up due to a drop in QoL in the control group. Traistaru et al, [43] measured quality of life with a scale developed by Spitzer et al, [73]. They reported significant within group improvements in quality of life in the intervention group at post-treatment follow-up.…”