A comparison between the effects of vibration exercise and needle therapy on fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized control study

• Published in: Geriatric nursing (New York) 2024-09, Vol.59, p.485-490
• Main Authors: Moawd, Samah A., Abdelhalim, Elsayeda Hamdy Nasr, Ibrahim, Ateya Megahed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acupuncture Therapy - methods; Aged; Community-dwelling older adults; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Fibromyalgia; Fibromyalgia - therapy; Humans; Independent Living; Male; Middle Aged; Needle therapy; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Saudi Arabia; Vibration - therapeutic use; Vibration exercise
• ISSN: 0197-4572; 1528-3984; 1528-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.07.040

•A novel combination of vibration exercise and needle therapy offers fresh insights into fibromyalgia treatment in older adults.•Vibration exercise added to needle therapy significantly improves disability, pain, stability, and well-being in older adults.•Tailored intervention for older adults with fibromyalgia underscores the importance of age-specific needs in treatment design. This randomized controlled pilot study compared the efficiency of exercise on a vibration machine combined with needle therapy versus needle therapy alone in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and well-being among older adults. Conducted at King Khalid Hospital in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, the study involved eighty-six patients aged 60 to 67 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VENT (Vibration Exercise Device) group or the NT (Needle Therapy) group. The VENT group underwent 10-minute vibration training sessions twice a week, paired with 30-minute needle acupuncture sessions once a week, while the NT group received needle therapy alone. Both interventions were carried out over 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured disability, pain, balance, and quality of life. Data analysis showed that 94.1% of participants completed the study, with significant improvements in disability observed in the VENT group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, balance, and well-being. However, post-intervention comparisons favored the VENT group, showing significantly better outcomes. The findings suggest that combining vibratory exercise with needle therapy offers enhanced benefits for older adults with fibromyalgia.