Influence of Craniosacral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
2011

Craniosacral Therapy's Impact on Fibromyalgia

Sample size: 84 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo A., Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María, García Gloria Carballo, Moreno-Lorenzo Carmen, Carreño Tesifón Parrón, Zafra María Dolores Onieva

Primary Institution: University of Granada, Spain

Hypothesis

Does craniosacral therapy improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients?

Conclusion

Craniosacral therapy improves anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients receiving craniosacral therapy showed significant improvements in anxiety and quality of life.
  • At 6 months post-treatment, the intervention group had better sleep quality compared to the placebo group.
  • Significant correlations were found between anxiety levels and depression scores in the intervention group.
  • The study included a balanced stratified assignment for medication type, sex, and age.
  • Improvements in physical function and pain were also noted in the intervention group.

Takeaway

Craniosacral therapy helps people with fibromyalgia feel less anxious and improves their overall happiness.

Methodology

An experimental, double-blind longitudinal clinical trial with 84 fibromyalgia patients assigned to either craniosacral therapy or placebo treatment over 25 weeks.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the disparity in male and female participants and the subjective nature of self-reported measures.

Limitations

The study could not include 25 patients due to scheduling conflicts, and there was a gender imbalance in the sample.

Participant Demographics

Majority female (81 out of 84), aged 34-63 years, mean age 49.08.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/nep125

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication