Impact of Exercise on Pain Management in Fibromyalgia Patients

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured exercise program on pain management, sleep quality, fatigue and overall daily functioning in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 100 women with fibromyalgia diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. All of the participants undergone 12-week home-based exercise program. Pre and post-exercise program, sleep quality, pain status, fatigue and overall quality were evaluated. Results: Total of 100 women were studied with mean age of 42.7 ± 5.8 years. More than half of participants were employed (55%). Before undergoing 12 weeks home based exercise program, mean score for sleep quality, pain, fatigue and overall quality of life was 6.8 ± 1.1, 7.6 ± 1.0, 7.4 ± 0.9 and 4.2 ±1.5 respectively. After 12 weeks of attending program there was significant reduction in average score of sleep quality (4.1 (1.3)), pain (5.4 (1.1), fatigue (4.9 (1.2) whereas increase was seen in mean score of overall quality of life (6.7 (1.4)). Conclusion: The findings showed that a structured exercise program can improve pain relief, sleep quality, muscle strength, and functional ability in women with fibromyalgia and that such a program should be incorporated into routine care for the condition.