Exercise training in treatment of fibromyalgia

Objectives: Previous studies have shown some efficacy of physical fitness training in patients with fibromyalgia [FMS]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a steady exercise program and an aerobic dance program in treatment of FMS. Methods: Of 176 patients invited to participate only 38 [22%] volunteered. Fifteen were randomized to a slowly increasing dance program three times a week, 15 to a steady exercise program twice a week and eight received hot packs twice a week as a control intervention. All treatments continued for 12 weeks. Results: Only five in the aerobic group, eleven in the steady exercise group and seven of those receiving hot packs completed the trial. After 12 weeks there was no Improvement in pain, fatigue, general condition, sleep, Beck's depression score, functional status, muscle strength or aerobic capacity in any of the groups. Conclusion: The very low percentage of volunteers, the high percentage of withdrawals, and the absence of improvement in aerobic capacity illustrate the difficulty in treating FMS with physical modalities.