Biofeedback/relaxation training and exercise interventions for fibromyalgia: a prospective trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of biofeedback/relaxation, exercise, and a combined program for the treatment of fibromyalgia.


METHODS
Subjects (n = 119) were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: 1) biofeedback/relaxation training, 2) exercise training, 3) a combination treatment, or 4) an educational/attention control program.


RESULTS
All 3 treatment groups produced improvements in self-efficacy for function relative to the control condition. In addition, all treatment groups were significantly different from the control group on tender point index scores, reflecting a modest deterioration by the attention control group rather than improvements by the treatment groups. The exercise and combination groups also resulted in modest improvements on a physical activity measure. The combination group best maintained benefits across the 2-year period.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that these 3 treatment interventions result in improved self-efficacy for physical function which was best maintained by the combination group.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
S P
SP
Buckelew
R
R
Conway
J
J
Parker
W E
WE
Deuser
J
J
Read
T E
TE
Witty
J E
JE
Hewett
M
M
Minor
J C
JC
Johnson
L
L
Van Male
M J
MJ
McIntosh
M
M
Nigh
D R
DR
Kay
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome