Effectiveness of acupuncture vs. core stability training in balance and functional capacity of women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Clinical rehabilitation 2020-05, Vol.34 (5), p.630-645
• Main Authors: Garrido-Ardila, Elisa María, González-López-Arza, María Victoria, Jiménez-Palomares, Maria, García-Nogales, Agustín, Rodríguez-Mansilla, Juan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Therapy; Adult; Balance; Clinical trials; Control groups; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Fibromyalgia; Fibromyalgia - physiopathology; Fibromyalgia - rehabilitation; Functional status; Humans; Middle Aged; Mobility; Outpatients; Physical ability; Physiotherapy; Postural Balance - physiology; Posture; Questionnaires; Rehabilitation; Single women; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Womens health
• ISSN: 0269-2155; 1477-0873; 1477-0873
• DOI: 10.1177/0269215520911992

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy programme vs. acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatients setting. Subjects: Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy programme group (n = 45), acupuncture treatment group (n = 45) and control group (n = 45) for 13 weeks. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), postintervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test and 10-m walk). The secondary outcome measure was functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Results: In all, 103 participants completed the study. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture and physiotherapy groups vs. the control group at week 6 regarding Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.00, both groups), timed up and go test (P = 0.00 and P = 0.01, respectively) and 10-m walk test at comfortable speed (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 10-m walk test at maximum speed showed significance when comparing the physiotherapy and control group (P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the physiotherapy and the acupuncture groups. In relation to functional capacity, the improvements achieved after the treatments were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Core stability-based physiotherapy and acupuncture improve dynamic balance and postural control in women with Fibromyalgia.