Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) Study & Research

While the underlying cause or causes of Fibromyalgia still remain a mystery, new research findings continue to bring us closer to understanding the basic mechanisms of Fibromyalgia.

 

Most researchers agree that Fibromyalgia is a disorder of central processing with neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation. The Fibromyalgia patient experiences pain amplification due to abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system.

 

An increasing number of scientific studies now show multiple physiological abnormalities in the Fibromyalgia patient, including:

• Increased levels of substance P in the spinal cord.

• Low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain.

• HPA axis hypofunction.

• Low levels of serotonin and tryptophan.

• Abnormalities in cytokine function.

Recent studies show that genetic factors may predispose individuals to a susceptibility to Fibromyalgia. For some, the onset of Fibromyalgia is slow; however, in a large percentage of patients the onset is triggered by an illness or injury that causes trauma to the body. These events may act to incite an undetected physiological problem already present.

 

Exciting new research has also begun in the areas of brain imaging and neurosurgery. Ongoing research will test the hypothesis that Fibromyalgia is caused by an interpretative defect in the central nervous system that brings about abnormal pain perception. Medical researchers have just begun to untangle the truths about this life-altering disease.

There is evidence that genetic factors may play a role in the development of Fibromyalgia.

 

For example, there is a high aggregation of Fibromyalgia in families. The mode of inheritance is currently unknown, but it is most probably polygenic. Research has demonstrated that Fibromyalgia is associated with:

• Polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic.

• Dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems.

However, these polymorphisms are not specific for Fibromyalgia and are associated with a variety of allied disorders (e.g. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and with depression.

Stress may be an important precipitating factor in the development of Fibromyalgia.

 

Fibromyalgia is frequently comorbid with stress-related disorders such as:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Depression

Two studies reported metabolic abnormalities within the hippocampal complex in patients with Fibromyalgia, with significant correlations between hippocampal metabolic abnormalities and severity of clinical symptoms.

 

Other authors have proposed that, because exposure to stressful conditions can alter the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the development of Fibromyalgia may stem from stress-induced disruption of the HPA axis.

This proposition is supported in part by a prospective epidemiology study which found that low levels of morning salivary cortisol and high levels of evening salivary cortisol are all associated with the development of chronic widespread pain.

The 'dopamine hypothesis of Fibromyalgia’ proposes that the central abnormality responsible for symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia is a disruption of normal dopamine-related neurotransmission.

 

Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter with roles in pain perception and natural analgesia.

 

There is also strong evidence for a role of dopamine in Restless Leg Syndrome, which is a condition found frequently in patients with Fibromyalgia. Some Fibromyalgia patients responded in controlled trials to pramipexole, a dopamine used to treat both Parkinson's disease and Restless Leg Syndrome.

In 1975, researchers hypothesized that serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep patterns, mood, concentration and pain, could be involved in the pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia-associated symptoms.

 

In 1992, decreased serotonin metabolites in patient blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid were reported. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have met with limited success in alleviating the symptoms of the disorder, while drugs with activity as mixed serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been more successful.

 

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), a SNRI originally used to treat depression and painful diabetic neuropathy, has been demonstrated by controlled trials to relieve symptoms of some patients. However, the relevance of dysregulated serotonin metabolism to pathophysiology is a matter of debate.

Disagreement about the role of HGH in Fibromyalgia.

Levels of hormones under the direct or indirect control of human growth hormone (HGH), including:

• IGF-1

• Cortisol

• Leptin

• Neuropeptide Y

may be abnormal in people with Fibromyalgia, but supplementing growth hormone in patients does not have large effects, and a 2007 literature review reported a need for "further study before any solid recommendations can be made." There is disagreement about the role of HGH in Fibromyalgia.

There is strong evidence that major depression is associated with Fibromyalgia.

 

A comprehensive review into the relationship between Fibromyalgia and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) found substantial similarities, but findings do not support the assumption that MDD and Fibromyalgia can be seen as subsidiaries of one disease concept.

 

The sensation of pain has at least two dimensions:

• A sensory dimension which processes the magnitude of the pain.

• An affective-motivational dimension which processes the unpleasantness.

A study that employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate brain responses to experimental pain among Fibromyalgia patients found that the amplification of the sensory dimension of pain in Fibromyalgia occurs independently of mood or emotional processes.

 

An alternative hypothesis regarding the development of Fibromyalgia in relation to psychological conflict proposes that the disorder may be a psychosomatic illness.

 

This is described in John E. Sarno's writing related to "tension myositis syndrome," in which chronic pain is proposed to be the mind's subconscious strategy of distracting painful or dangerous emotions. Education, attitude change, and in some cases, psychotherapy are proposed as treatments.

Current thinking centers around a theory called central sensitization. This theory states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals.

 

Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters).

 

In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.

How Hydrotherapy and Meditation Encourage Restorative Sleep

 

During deep-level sleep, your body repairs and replenishes itself. Studies show that people with Fibromyalgia have a low level of growth hormone. This is likely a result of insufficient deep sleep.

 

Growth hormone is responsible for repairing and restoring any damage that occurs to the muscles and tissues during the normal rigors of every day life. It stimulates growth and development through the production of new proteins to repair muscle tears and to replace worn-out cells and tissues that have passed their sell-by date.

 

80% of growth hormone is released in a pulsatile fashion during deep sleep. A persistent lack of growth hormone is an important issue and most likely responsible for the high percentage of muscle micro-traumas in Fibromyalgia contributing to the on going muscular pain.

 

If the amount of deep sleep you get is reduced over a long period of time, your body may have less ability to "repair and replenish" energy as well. In Fibromyalgia there is a feeling of being "awake" or in a shallow state of sleep throughout the night, instead of experiencing restful, deep-level sleep.

 

Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.

 

Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual or psychophysical practices that may emphasize different goals, such as:

• A higher state of consciousness.

• Greater focus.

• Enhanced creativity.

• Heightened self-awareness.

• A more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

These effects can be amplified and made more profound by mediating while floating in body temperature water.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) Sleep Disturbances

 

Sleep disturbance in healthy patients produces muscle tenderness similar to that of Fibromyalgia.

 

The first objective findings associated with the disorder were reported in 1975 by researchers who discovered the presence of anomalous alpha wave activity (typically associated with arousal states) on sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep.

Fibromyalgia may be related to a dysfunction of cerebral pain-processing.

 

Pain researchers in Marseilles, France, using tomography, attempted to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions of the brains of patients with Fibromyalgia.

 

This technology allows precise measurements of blood flows in different regions of the brain and offers an image of electrical activity.

 

The researchers looked at twenty women diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and ten healthy women. Participants were given brain scans and they answered questions to asses measures of:

• Pain
• Disability
• Anxiety
• Depression

In women with Fibromyalgia, researchers found an increase in blood flow in the parts of the brain responsible for sensing pain and a decrease in an area involved in emotional responses to pain.

 

The results confirmed that patients with Fibromyalgia have “a real disease/disorder” and suggest this disorder “may be related to a global dysfunction of the cerebral pain-processing.”

How mindfulness-based stress-reduction may help reduce negative psychological symptoms and attenuate SNS activation in Fibromyalgia

Objective

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a chronic pain syndrome, is often accompanied by psychological distress and increased basal sympathetic tone. This study explores the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on basal sympathetic (SNS) activation among women with Fibromyalgia.

Methods

Effects on anxiety, depressive symptoms, and SNS activation measures were tested on twenty-four participants before and after mindfulness-based stress-reduction.

Results

The mindfulness-based stress-reduction treatment significantly reduced basal electrodermal (skin conductance level; SCL) activity (t = 3.298, p = .005) and SCL activity during meditation (t = 4.389, p = .001), consistent with reduced SNS activation.

Conclusion

In this small sample, basal SNS activity was reduced following mindfulness-based stress-reduction treatment. Future studies should assess how mindfulness-based stress-reduction may help reduce negative psychological symptoms and attenuate SNS activation in Fibromyalgia.

 

Lush E, Salmon P, Floyd A, Studts JL, Weissbecker I, Sephton SE., Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.

Potential benefits of a yoga program for women with fibromyalgia (FM)

 

A mounting body of literature recommends that treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) encompass medications, exercise and improvement of coping skills. However, there is a significant gap in determining an effective counterpart to pharmacotherapy that incorporates both exercise and coping.

 

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive yoga intervention on FM symptoms and coping.

 

A sample of fifty-three women with fibromyalgia were randomized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program (gentle poses, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga-based coping instructions, group discussions) or to wait-listed standard care.

Data were analyzed by intention to treat.

 

At post-treatment, women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements on standardized measures of fibromyalgia symptoms and functioning, including pain, fatigue, and mood, and in pain catastrophizing, acceptance, and other coping strategies.

 

This pilot study provides promising support for the potential benefits of a yoga program for women with fibromyalgia (FMS).

 

• Department of Anesthesiology and Peri-operative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
• School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
• Department of Medicine, Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
• Publish by the International Association for the Study of Pain, August 2010

Tai Chi is potentially beneficial to patients with Fibromyalgia.

 

Taggart HM, Arslanian CL, Bae S, Singh K., Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA, USA.

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM), one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, is associated with high levels of impaired health and inadequate or limited symptom relief.

 

The cause of this complex syndrome is unknown, and there is no known cure. Numerous research results indicate that a combination of physical exercise and mind-body therapy is effective in symptom management. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise, combines physical exercise with mind-body therapy.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on Fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life.

Design

Pilot study, one group pre-to-post post-test design.

Methods

Thirty six Participants with Fibromyalgia formed a single group for 6 weeks of 1-hour, twice weekly Tai Chi exercise classes. Fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life were measured before and after exercise.

Findings

Twenty one participants completed at least 10 of the 12 exercise sessions. Although the dropout rate was higher than expected, measurements on both the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) (Buckhardt, Clark, & Bennett, 1991) and the Short Form-36 (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992) revealed statistically significant improvement in symptom management and health-related quality of life.

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING RESEARCH

Knowledge of interventions to enhance health for the patient with musculoskeletal problems is a National Association of Orthopedic Nurses priority.

 

Tai Chi is potentially beneficial to patients with Fibromyalgia. Further research is needed to support evidence-based practice.

PMID: 14595996 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An exercise therapy 3 times a week for 16 weeks in a warm pool could improve most of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia

 

Section of Physical Education and Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of a 16-week exercise therapy in a chest-high pool of warm water through applicable tests in the clinical practice on the global symptomatology of women with Fibromyalgia and to determine exercise adherence levels.

Design

A randomized controlled trial.

Settings

Testing was completed at the university.

Participants

Sixty Middle-aged women with Fibromyalgia and twenty-five healthy women.

Intervention

A 16-week aquatic training program, including strength training, aerobic training, and relaxation exercises.

Main Outcome Measures

• Tender point count (syringe calibrated)

• Health status (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire)

• Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index)

• Physical (endurance strength to low loads tests)

• Psychological (State Anxiety Inventory)

• Cognitive function (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task)

• Adherence 12 months after the completion of the study

Results

For all the measurements, participants showed significant deficiencies compared with the healthy subjects. The exercise therapy was effective in:

• Decreasing the tender point count

• Improving sleep quality

• Improving cognitive function

• Improving physical function

Anxiety remained unchanged during the follow-up. The exercise group had a significant improvement of health status, not associated exclusively with the exercise intervention. There were no changes in the control group. Twenty-three participants in the exercise group were exercising regularly 12 months after completing the program.

Conclusions

An exercise therapy 3 times a week for 16 weeks in a warm pool could improve most of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and cause a high adherence to exercise in unfit women with heightened Fibromyalgia symptomatology. The therapeutic intervention's effects can be assessed through applicable tests in the clinical practice.

Low Intensity Exercise is a Crucial Part of Treatment for People with Fibromyalgia

 

Jones KD, Adams D, Winters-Stone K, Burckhardt CS., School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

The purpose of this review was to:

• Locate all exercise treatment studies of Fibromyalgia patients from 1988 through 2005.

• Present in tabular format the key details of each study.

• Provide a summary and evaluation of each study for exercise and health outcomes researchers.

Exercise intervention studies in Fibromyalgia were retrieved through Cochrane Collaboration Reviews and key word searches of the medical literature, conference proceedings and bibliographies.

 

Studies were reviewed for inclusion using a standardized process. A table summarizing subject characteristics, exercise mode, timing, duration, frequency, intensity, attrition and outcome variables was developed.

 

Results, conclusions and comments were made for each study. Forty-six exercise treatment studies were found with a total of 3035 subjects.

 

The strongest evidence was in support of aerobic exercise a treatment prescription for fitness and symptom and improvement.

 

In general, the greatest effect and lowest attrition occurred in exercise programs that were of lower intensity than those of higher intensity. Exercise is a crucial part of treatment for people with Fibromyalgia.

 

Increased health and fitness, along with symptom reduction, can be expected with exercise that is:

• Of appropriate intensity

• Self-modified

• Symptom-limited

Exercise and health outcomes researchers are encouraged to use the extant literature to develop effective health enhancing programs for people with Fibromyalgia and to target research to as yet understudied Fibromyalgia sub-populations, such as children, men, older adults, ethnic minorities and those with common co-morbidities of osteoarthritis and obesity.

Several studies have indicated that physical exercise produces improvements in health outcomes for people with Fibromyalgia.

 

Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.

Recent Findings

Previous studies indicate that aerobic exercise performed at adequate intensity for an individual can improve function, symptoms, and well-being.

• A recent study of aerobic exercise showed that training in sedentary women with Fibromyalgia using short bouts of exercise produces improvements in health outcomes.

• A study of aerobic walking resulted in improvements in physical function, symptoms, and distress.

• Two studies of low-intensity pool exercise reported a positive impact on Fibromyalgia symptoms and distress.

• Two studies of Qi Gong movement therapy were reported, one indicating improvements in symptoms and the other in movement harmony, indicating that this mode of exercise needs to be evaluated further.

Summary

The recent studies support existing literature on the benefits of exercise for patients with Fibromyalgia. The outcomes appear to be related to the program design and the characteristics of the populations studied.

• Long-term planning is needed to motivate the patients to continue regular exercise.

• Informing patients about the benefits of exercise and adjusting the exercise intensity to individual limitations enhances adherence.

• The social support gained by exercising in groups also enhances adherence to exercise.

A group activity practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation and qi gong, produce significant improvement for fibromyalgia symptoms.

 

Creamer P, Singh BB, Hochberg MC, Berman BM., Complementary Medicine Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.

Objective

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the practicality of delivering a package of non-pharmacological, behavioral-based treatment, previously found to be effective in chronic back pain, to patients with Fibromyalgia.

Methods

Participants with Fibromyalgia formed a single group for 8 sessions at weekly intervals. Each session comprised:

• An education/cognitive-behavioral component.

• Formal relaxation/meditation training.

• Instruction in a Chinese movement therapy (Qi Gong).

Results

Significant improvement was seen in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and a range of other outcome measures, including tender points and pain threshold. Improvement was sustained 4 months after the end of the intervention.

Conclusion

A simple behavioral intervention using large groups can be administered to subjects with Fibromyalgia and appears to produce sustained benefit in a range of outcomes.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects and the Tolerability of Mud-bath and Thermal Baths Treatment in Fibromyalgia Sufferers

 

Giannitti C, Bellisai B, Iacoponi F, Petraglia A, Fioravanti A.

UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Scienze Immunologiche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italia.

Spa Therapy Treatment has both Short- and Long-Term Beneficial Effects in Women with Fibromyalgia

 

Dönmez A, Karagülle MZ, Tercan N, Dinler M, Işsever H, Karagülle M, Turan M., Department of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of spa therapy in the management of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)

Methods

Thirty women with Fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either a spa therapy group or a control group. The spa therapy group of sixteen women had spa treatment for 2 weeks in addition to their medical treatment. The control group, consisting of fourteen women, continued to have their medical treatment and/or daily exercises.

An investigator who was blinded for the intervention assessed all the patients for 9 months. Improvements in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), pain and number of tender points were primary outcomes.

Secondary outcome measures were improvement of the following symptoms:

• Sleep disturbance

• Fatigue

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Anxiety

• Beck Depression Inventory

• Patient's global evaluation

Results

The spa group was found to be superior to the control group at the end of intervention in terms of:

• FIQ

• Pain

• Tender point count

• Fatigue

• Patients' global assessment

This superiority remained for 6 months in FIQ, 1 month in pain and tender point count.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the addition of spa therapy to medical therapy has both short- and long-term beneficial effects in female patients with Fibromyalgia.

The objective of this study was to analyze the repercussions of Craniosacral therapy on Fibromyalgia patients with:

• Painful symptoms

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Reduced quality of life

Spain.

Muscle tone and pain intensity can be positively influenced by mud packs and thermal baths.

 

Spa therapy is one of the most commonly used non-pharmacological approaches for many rheumatic diseases. In Fibromyalgia Syndrome it may be useful for the treatment of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain.

 

Because of the unknown etiology and the not clearly understood pathogenesis, there is no standard therapy regimen for Fibromyalgia. Although the mechanisms of action of spa therapy are not completely known, most probably the benefits could be derived from mechanical, physical and chemical factors.

 

• Muscle tone and pain intensity can be positively influenced by mud packs and thermal baths. The review of international data from 2000 to 2007 confirms that spa therapy should be a valid tool in the multidisciplinary approach of the primary Fibromyalgia.

 

Giannitti C, Bellisai B, Iacoponi F, Petraglia A, Fioravanti A.

UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Scienze Immunologiche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italia.

 

PMID: 18998040 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and patient education may temporarily improve Fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life.

 

Objective

To study the effect of a combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and patient education in people with Fibromyalgia.

 

Methods

People with Fibromyalgia, selected from a rheumatology out-patient department and from members of the Dutch Fibromyalgia patient association, were pre-randomized to receive either:

• Active treatment--2(1/2) weeks of treatment in a Tunisian spa resort, including thalassotherapy, supervised exercise and group education.

• Control treatment--treatment as usual.

Health-related quality of life was measured with the RAND-36 questionnaire. Secondary measures included:

• The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire

• The McGill Pain Questionnaire

• The Beck Depression Inventory

• Tender point score

• 6-min treadmill walk test

 

Results

Fifty-eight participants receiving the active treatment reported significant improvement on RAND-36 physical and mental component summary scales.

For physical health, differences from the seventy-six control participants were statistically significant after 3 months, but not after 6 and 12 months. A similar pattern of temporary improvement was seen in the self-reported secondary measures.

Tender point scores and treadmill walk tests improved more after active treatment, but did not reach significant between-group differences, except for walk tests after 12 months.

 

Conclusion

A combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and patient education may temporarily improve Fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life.

 

Zijlstra TR, van de Laar MA, Bernelot Moens HJ, Taal E, Zakraoui L, Rasker JJ.

Department of Rheumatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente Hospital, Enschede, The Netherlands.

 

PMID: 15695301 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pool-based Exercises have a Longer-lasting Effect on Fibromyalgia symptoms Compared to Balneotherapy

 

Altan L, Bingöl U, Aykaç M, Koç Z, Yurtkuran M., Rheumatic Disease and Hydrotherapy Section, Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Atatürk Rehabilitation Center, Bursa, Turkey.

 

The aim of this study was to compare pool-based exercise and balneotherapy in Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients.

Pool Exercise are Effective Treatment for Fibromyalgia Especially for Mood and Sleep Duration

 

Gowans SE, deHueck A., aAllied Health, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Background

The benefits of general aerobic exercise for individuals with Fibromyalgia have been established.

Recently, there have been a number of randomized controlled trials that evaluate the benefits of pool exercise for Fibromyalgia. This review will integrate the results of eight pool exercise studies that have been published in the last 7 years.

Recent Findings

Pool exercise was evaluated against sedentary control groups, land-based exercise, and immersion in a warm, mineralized pool. Pool exercise has been shown to be as effective as land-based exercise and may have greater benefits with respect to mood and sleep duration.

• Based on follow-up studies, exercise-induced improvements in physical function, pain and mood may persist for up to 2 years.

• Pool exercise may be better tolerated as an initial means of exercise by individuals with arthritis in weight-bearing joints (because of water buoyancy) or by individuals who fear exercise will exacerbate their pain.

Summary

Pool exercise can be an effective intervention for individuals with Fibromyalgia.

Future studies should reassess subjects at multiple time points to determine the time course of exercise-induced improvements and further explore the effects of pool exercise on mood and sleep quality.

Pool Exercise Therapy Found to be Effective in Improving Sleep Quality and Cognitive and Physical Function, and Decreasing Tender Point Count

 

Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A., Section of Physical Education and Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.

To evaluate the effects of a 16-week exercise therapy in a chest-high warm pool in women with Fibromyalgia (FM) and to determine exercise adherence levels.

Warm-water pool exercise therapy three times per week is an adequate treatment to decrease pain and severity of Fibromyalgia symptoms.

 

Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A., Section of Physical Education and Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.

Objective

To evaluate the short-term efficiency of exercise therapy in a warm, chest-high pool on pain and cognitive function in women with Fibromyalgia.

Methods

Sixty middle-aged women with Fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either an exercise training group or a control group for 16 weeks, to perform 3 sessions per week of aquatic training including exercises for:

• Mobility

• Aerobic

• Strengthening

• Relaxation

Pain was assessed in patients using a syringe calibrated like a pressure dolorimeter, and a visual analog scale. The severity of Fibromyalgia was evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

 

Cognitive function was measured in healthy individuals and patients using several standardized neuropsychological tests. All patients were measured at baseline and post-treatment.

Results

At baseline, the healthy group evidenced cognitive performance that was significantly superior to the group of patients with Fibromyalgia in all of the neuropsychological tests.

The exercise group experienced significant improvement in:

• Pain threshold

• Tender point count

• Self-reported pain

• Severity of Fibromyalgia

• Cognitive function

The control group showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

An exercise therapy three times per week for 16 weeks in a warm-water pool is an adequate treatment to decrease the pain and severity of Fibromyalgia. It can also improve cognitive function in previously unfit women with Fibromyalgia and heightened painful symptoms.

A Relaxing Form of Aquatic therapy known for its truly therapeutic and restorative properties for Fibromyalgia

 

Immersion alone in warm waters brings most Fibromyalgia sufferers a sense of relaxation. More and more physical therapists are turning their patients on to the idea of Thermal Aquatic Bodywork.

 

It has been demonstrated that Watsu is a beneficial treatment for Fibromyalgia patients since they tend to be physically de-conditioned. This de-conditioned state promotes a continued cycle of pain, fatigue, and decreased motivation, leading to further inactivity.

• According to a study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Watsu therapy patients suffering from Fibromyalgia experienced significant improvements in physical and social function, vitality and reduced pain.

• In another study, Watsu therapy patients suffering from Fibromyalgia experienced a substantial improvements in self-assessments of emotional stress, along with a reduction of aches and pains and improvements in flexibility, as well as ability to relax.

This unique Watsu massage therapy offers the relaxing and rejuvenating benefits of water, known for its truly therapeutic and restorative properties for Fibromyalgia.

 

The heated pool enables you to relax in water bearing the ideal body temperature, which encourages complete relaxation. As your body receives the WATSU Massage Therapy, you immediately begin to feel pressures, stress, aches and toxins easing far, far away.

Watsu therapy provides not only pain and stress relief, but also emotional release that people rave about.

• Your breathing begins to stabilize. You can actually sense each and every tired and fatigued muscle unwind and release without pain or hesitation.

• As soreness and fatigue are reduced, your circulation gently removes any metabolites left within your muscles.

• You are ever so gently transcending to a complete feeling of oneness with all that is peaceful, calm and serene; one perfect balance of body, mind and spirit.

• As new positive energy rises throughout your entire being, you discover where tension is stored and how to effectively deal with it.

• You surface to a new-found world of peace, relaxation, inner order and tranquility, armed with the focus necessary to confront the world with a strong, positive attitude.

Watsu is an increasingly popular alternative Fibromyalgia treatment

It can provide relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms. From the first session you will experience relief from:

• Chronic, widespread pain

• Fatigue

• Chronic sleep disturbances

• Prolonged muscle spasms

• Muscle twitching and weakness

• Anxiety

• Depressive symptoms

An added benefit is the relaxation you will experience with Watsu.

Watsu therapy list of benefits for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS):

• Decrease in pain

• Decrease in emotional pain

• Brings locked feelings back into awareness

• Helps overcome stored tension or trauma

• Decreases anxiety

• Promotes profound relaxation, peace and joy

• Enhances the parasympathetic nervous system

• Decreases reticular activating system RAS activity

• Improves sleep patterns

• Reduce soreness and fatigue

• Improves digestion

• Enhances immune system response

• Improve healing, promote body and soul balance

• Releases blockages along meridians

• Opens chi (Qi) energy pathways

• Increases body energy

• Encourages detoxification

• Simulating the endocrine system

• Releasing hormones responsible for urine and metabolism

• Increase range of motion

• Strengthens muscles

• Increases muscle relaxation

• Decreases muscle spasm

• Decreases spasticity (muscular hypertonicity)

A pilot study to determine the effect of a Jahara Technique program on pain and quality of life in women with Fibromyalgia

 

Jahara Technique's approach aims to benefit on a physical and emotional level at once. One of the fundamental ideas of Jahara Technique is to create Expansion.

 

Expansion is the opening and self-release of the mental and physical body.

 

A group of six Jahara Technique Advanced specialists and teachers carried out a pilot study to determine the effect of a Jahara Technique Thermal Aquatic Bodywork program on pain and quality of life in women with Fibromyalgia.

 

For this study, thirteen women were assigned a 6 week intervention program that included seated immersion, group ActivExercises and individual floating therapy sessions.

 

Participants completed the SF36 quality of life questionnaire before and after the interventions.

In the end, a detailed analysis indicated the following results:

• Significant level of pain reduction

• Significant improvement of the general health conditions

• Significant impairment of vitality and mental health

The conclusion of the study was that a systematic Jahara Technique program as an intervention for women with Fibromyalgia will improve their physical condition and physical functioning.

 

An expanded research based on this study is currently being developed.

Sea water exercises have been shown to bring more advantages related to emotional aspects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in a water pool compared with aerobic exercise performed in sea by women with Fibromyalgia.

 

A total of forty six women were randomly allocated into two groups: pool group (twenty three women) and sea group (twenty three women) that performed the same aerobic exercise program. After twelve weeks, both groups improved significantly in post-treatment for all the evaluated variables.

 

Aerobic exercise program performed in water (pool or sea) was effective for patients with Fibromyalgia. However, sea water exercises have been shown to bring more advantages related to emotional aspects. Therefore, exercise performed in sea water (thalassotherapy) is an option for effective treatment with low cost for patients with Fibromyalgia.

 

de Andrade SC, de Carvalho RF, Soares AS, de Abreu Freitas RP, de Medeiros Guerra LM, Vilar MJ.

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

 

PMID: 18600327 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]