Prescribed exercise in people with fibromyalgia: parallel group randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate cardiovascular fitness exercise in people with fibromyalgia.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Hospital rheumatology outpatients. Group based classes took place at a "healthy living centre."


METHODS
132 patients with fibromyalgia.


METHODS
Prescribed graded aerobic exercise (active treatment) and relaxation and flexibility (control treatment).


METHODS
Participants' self assessment of improvement, tender point count, impact of condition measured by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, and short form McGill pain questionnaire.


RESULTS
Compared with relaxation exercise led to significantly more participants rating themselves as much or very much better at three months: 24/69 (35%) v 12/67 (18%), P=0.03. Benefits were maintained or improved at one year follow up when fewer participants in the exercise group fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia (31/69 v 44/67, P=0.01). People in the exercise group also had greater reductions in tender point counts (4.2 v 2.0, P=0.02) and in scores on the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (4.0 v 0.6, P=0.07).


CONCLUSIONS
Prescribed graded aerobic exercise is a simple, cheap, effective, and potentially widely available treatment for fibromyalgia.
Richards
Selwyn C M
SC
Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Poole, Dorset BH15 2JB. srichards@poole-tr.swest.nhs.uk
Scott
David L
DL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome