ARTICLE –
abstractA
12-week physical training program – effects on fibromyalgia
patients 1Dragoi Diana, 1Traistaru
Rodica, 2Rosulescu Eugenia, 2Vasilescu
Mirela, 1Matei Daniela, 1Popescu
Roxana 1University of Medicine
and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania 2Faculty
of Physical Education and Sports, University of Craiova, Romania
Abstract
Background.
Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by
widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, depression or
anxiety and cognitive alterations. It has several therapy options,
physical exercise being one of the most recommended. The purpose of
this study was to examine the effects of a combined training program on
pain and associated symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. Methods The
study included 34 patients who underwent a 12-week physical training
program. The program included 3 weeks of flexibility exercises, 3 weeks
of postural hygiene and balance exercises, 3 weeks of aerobic exercises
and 3 weeks of Pilates. We monitored the number of tender points, pain
rated by the patient and measured with a digital algometer in 6 points
of the body, level of anxiety and depression and disease impact. All
the parameters were evaluated before and after the program, as well as
4 months after the program was over. Results: The average number of
tender points dropped from an initial 12 to 5.6, scores for pain
registered a 43% decrease and disease impact diminished from 53.1 to
39.1 (p<0.001). The pain threshold indicated by the algometer
improved on all measured points. Positive results in these parameters
were still observed at follow-up. No significant results were found for
depression and anxiety. Conclusion: a mixed training program
improves the level of pain, number of tender points, disease impact and
quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.
Key
words:fibromyalgia,
mixed training program, algometry, pain
Full
article:
A 12-week physical training program – effects on fibromyalgia patients
|