The effects of progressive strength training and aerobic exercise on muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness in women with fibromyalgia: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety, feasibility and consequences of a program of progressive strength training and cardiovascular exercise in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).


METHODS
Fifteen women with confirmed FMS were monitored for injury and exercise compliance, and assessed for muscle strength (1-repetition maximum technique), cardiovascular endurance (6-minute walk test), and functional status (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ]) before and after a 20-week exercise intervention.


RESULTS
Zero injuries and an 81% compliance rate occurred during training. Improvement was seen in muscle strength of the lower (191 +/- 75 to 265 +/- 67 pounds; P < 0.001) and upper (61 +/- 18 to 76 +/- 18 pounds; P < 0.001) body, 6-minute walk distance (530 +/- 80 to 629 +/- 74 meters; P < 0.001), and in FIQ score (44 +/- 9 to 32 +/- 14; P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
A program of progressive strength training and cardiovascular exercise can be safe, well tolerated, and effective at improving muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance and functional status in women with FMS without exacerbating symptoms. This program may also contribute to a reduction in the severity of several symptoms.
Rooks
Daniel S
DS
New England Baptist Bone and Joint Institute, New England Baptist Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. drooks@caregroup.harvard.edu
Silverman
Caroline B
CB
Kantrowitz
Fred G
FG
D000328:Adult; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*