Strength Training in Fibromyalgia

Two randomized controlled trials have assessed the effects of fitness training on fibromyalgia (FM) patients. In the first trial 1 42 patients with FM were randomized either to cardiovascular fitness training or simple flexibility exercises. Both groups met for 60 min three times a week. The compliance rate was 90%.

After 20 weeks, patients receiving fitness training showed improved cardiovascular fitness scores compared with those receiving flexibility training. Patients in fitness group also had improvements in pain threshold scores and pain scores.

In the second trial 2 21 women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned either to 21 weeks´ progressive strength training or to control group. In addition 12 healthy women served as training controls and carried out similar training twice a week. Main outcome measures were muscle strength and electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Secondary outcome measures were pain, sleep, fatigue, physical function capacity, and mood.

Female patients with fibromyalgia increased their maximal and explosive strength and EMG activity to the same extent as the healthy controls. Benefits on fatigue, depression and neck pain were seen in training patients with FM.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients).

References

• McCain GA, Bell DA, Mai FM, Halliday PD. A controlled study of the effects of a supervised cardiovascular fitness training program on the manifestations of primary fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 1988 Sep;31(9):1135-41. [PubMed]
• Häkkinen A, Häkkinen K, Hannonen P, Alen M. Strength training induced adaptations in neuromuscular function of premenopausal women with fibromyalgia: comparison with healthy women. Ann Rheum Dis 2001 Jan;60(1):21-6. [PubMed]