Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on physical fitness and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of concurrent strength and endurance training on muscle strength, aerobic and functional performance, and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia (FM).


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Local gym and university research laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-six women with FM.


METHODS
Progressive and supervised 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training.


METHODS
Muscle strength of leg extensors, upper extremities, and trunk; peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2)peak), maximal workload (Wmax), and work time; 10-m walking and 10-step stair-climbing time and self-reported functional capacity (Health Assessment Questionnaire); and symptoms of FM.


RESULTS
After concurrent strength and endurance training, the groups differed significantly in Wmax (P=.001), work time (P=.001), concentric leg extension force (P=.043), walking (P=.001) and stair-climbing (P<.001) time, and fatigue (P=.038). The training led to an increase of 10% (P=.004) in Wmax and 13% (P=.004) in work time on the bicycle but no change in Vo(2)peak.


CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent strength and endurance training in low to moderate volume improves the muscle strength of leg extensors, Wmax, work time, and functional performance as well as perceived symptoms, fatigue in particular. Concurrent strength and endurance training is beneficial to postmenopausal women with FM without adversities, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm the results.
Valkeinen
Heli
H
Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. heli.valkeinen@sport.jyu.fi
Alén
Markku
M
Häkkinen
Arja
A
Hannonen
Pekka
P
Kukkonen-Harjula
Katriina
K
Häkkinen
Keijo
K
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D017698:Postmenopause; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome