Effects of 2 Physiotherapy Programs on Pain Perception, Muscular Flexibility, and Illness Impact in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study
Received 10 January 2008; received in revised form 9 July 2008; accepted 20 July 2008.
Abstract
Objective
This study assessed the effect of 2 physiotherapy programs designed to improve flexibility and to reduce the impact of the illness and pain perception in women with the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and compared the effects of the 2 programs in the short and intermediate term.
Methods
Twenty FMS patients were randomly assigned to 2 training groups, one following a program of kinesiotherapy and active muscular stretching and one using techniques of Global Myofascial Physiotherapy, according to the Mézières method. Both groups met twice a week for 12 weeks, for a total of 150 minutes each week. Flexibility and illness impact were measured by means of a standard test, whereas pain was assessed by means of thumb palpation. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the program and 24 weeks after its end.
Results
Patients had achieved a statistically significant reduction in the severity of the disease and improved their flexibility level by the end of the program, but had returned to initial values after follow-up. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 treatment groups in the initial values or in the results at the end of the program or after the follow-up, so neither program proved better than the other.
Conclusion
The FMS patients in this study improved their flexibility level and general well-being using both kinesiotherapy and stretching exercises techniques.
aArea of Physiotherapy, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of León, Spain
bPhysical Doctor, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Physiology, University of León, Spain
Submit requests for reprints to: Vicente Martín Sánchez, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of León, Campus de Vegazana, 24071-León, Spain
ABSTRACT