Review of Exercise Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Dupree Jones, Dianne Adams, Kerri Winters-Stone, Carol S. Burckhardt
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
The review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise treatments for fibromyalgia patients from 1988 to 2005.
Conclusion
Exercise is an important treatment for fibromyalgia, leading to improved health and reduced symptoms when done at appropriate intensity.
Supporting Evidence
- Exercise interventions showed significant improvements in fitness and symptom relief for fibromyalgia patients.
- Lower intensity exercise programs had the greatest effect and lowest attrition rates.
- Subjects experienced decreased pain and fatigue with low to moderate intensity exercise.
Takeaway
Doing the right kind of exercise can help people with fibromyalgia feel better and have more energy.
Methodology
The review included a systematic search of exercise studies for fibromyalgia, analyzing 333 abstracts and including 46 studies that met specific criteria.
Potential Biases
Some studies had strong educational components that may have influenced outcomes, and compliance was often not calculable.
Limitations
The review did not include studies focused solely on overweight or obese individuals or those involving children.
Participant Demographics
Of the 3035 subjects, 2888 were fibromyalgia patients (2400 women, 73 men, 415 gender not reported), with ages ranging from 18 to 80 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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