Article

This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a 6-mo combined
exercise program on quality-of-life, physical function, depression, and aerobic
capacity in women with fibromyalgia syndrome and to determine the impact of
repeated delivery of the intervention. DESIGN: Forty-one women with fibromyalgia
were randomly assigned to a training group (EG; n = 21) and a control group (CG;
n = 20). Quality-of-life and physical function were assessed using the 36-item
Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and
depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory. Physical fitness was
measured using the 6-min Walk Test. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after
each 6-mo intervention, which was delivered over 30 mos (6 mos of training and 6
mos of detraining). RESULTS: After a 6-mo combined exercise program, there was a
significant improvement in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (P < 0.0005) for
the training group over the control group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance
across all time points demonstrated significant main effects for time for the
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SF-36, Beck Depression Inventory and the
6-min
Walk Test, but there were no between-group interaction effects. For the EG, there
were significant within-group changes in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire,
SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory at the final time point; however, there were
no within-group changes for the control group. Improvement achieved for the
training group were maintained during the detraining period. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term exercise program can produce immediate improvements in key health
domains in women with fibromyalgia. The benefits achieved with regular training
can be maintained for 30 mos. The lack of difference between groups over time may
be caused by attrition and consequent lack of power at the final time point.

Langue : ANGLAIS