The effects of a 12-week strength-training program on strength and functionality in women with fibromyalgia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether women with fibromyalgia benefit from strength training.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Testing was completed at the university and training was completed at a local community wellness facility.


METHODS
Twenty-nine women (age range, 18-54 y) with fibromyalgia participated. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control (n=14; wait-listed for exercise) or strength (n=15) group. After the first 4 weeks, 7 (47%) women dropped from the strength group.


METHODS
Subjects underwent 12 weeks of training on 11 exercises, 2 times a week, performing 1 set of 8 to 12 repetitions at 40% to 60% of their maximal lifts and were progressed to 60% to 80%.


METHODS
Subjects were measured for strength, functionality, tender point sensitivity, and fibromyalgia impact.


RESULTS
The strength group significantly (P< or =.05) improved upper- (strength, 39+/-11 to 42+/-12 kg; control, 38+/-13 to 38+/-12 kg) and lower- (strength, 68+/-28 to 82+/-25 kg; control, 61+/-25 to 61+/-26 kg) body strength. Upper-body functionality measured by the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance test improved significantly (strength, 44+/-11 to 50+/-16U; control, 51+/-11 to 49+/-13U) after training. Tender point sensitivity and fibromyalgia impact did not change.


CONCLUSIONS
Strength training improved strength and some functionality in women with fibromyalgia. Interventions with resistance have important implications on independence and quality of life issues for women with fibromyalgia.
Kingsley
J Derek
JD
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Panton
Lynn B
LB
Toole
Tonya
T
Sirithienthad
Prawee
P
Mathis
Reed
R
McMillan
Victor
V
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001823:Body Composition; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014891:Weight Lifting