Effects of Lifestyle Physical Activity on Health Status, Pain, and Function in Adults with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

• Published in: Journal of musculoskeletal pain 2007-01, Vol.15 (1), p.3-9
• Main Authors: Fontaine, Kevin R., Haaz, Steffany
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical trials; Exercise; fatigue; Fibromyalgia; Fibromyalgia syndrome; lifestyle physical activity; Lifestyles; Pain
• ISSN: 1058-2452; 2470-8593; 1540-7012; 2470-8607
• DOI: 10.1300/J094v15n01_02

Objective: To test the effects of a lifestyle physical activity [LPA] program on health status, pain, fatigue, and function in adults with the fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. Methods: Forty-eight sedentary adults with FMS were randomized to either LPA or a FMS education control [FME] group. The LPA participants gradually worked toward accumulating 30 minutes of self-selected moderate-intensity LPA, five to seven days per week. Thirty-four participants [71 percent] completed the study. Results: The LPA group increased their physical activity by 70 percent, as assessed by pedometer. Seventy-one percent of participants randomized to LPA reported that their health status was improved, compared with 25 percent of the FME group [P = 0.013]. There were no statistically significant post-intervention differences between the LPA and FME groups in pain, fatigue, FMS impact, or six-minute walk distance. Conclusion: The LPA group increased their physical activity and improved global ratings of FMS-related change. Lifestyle physical activity might be a new way to assist persons with FMS to become more physically active.