Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a Home-Based stretching program for adults with fibromyalgia: a prospective Pre-Post feasibility study

People with fibromyalgia face physical and cognitive impairments and are often intolerant to physical activity, making adherence to physical therapy a significant challenge. This prospective pre-post feasibility study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week home-based stretching intervention for people with fibromyalgia. People aged 18-55 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia were eligible for participation. Participants were offered a home-based stretching intervention with weekly follow-up via a mHealth app. Semi-structured online focus group interviews were conducted to gain insight into the participants' experience and acceptance of the intervention. Quantitative assessments included the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the SF-36, pressure pain thresholds, range of motion, and self-reported adherence. 12 females were recruited over 43 days. One participant withdrew from the study due to illness. The adherence rate was high. Four major themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Factors motivating participation, (2) The advantages of exercising at home, (3) Influence of weekly communication and (4) Potential areas for improvement. Qualitative findings suggest that the intervention was well tolerated and easily implemented in daily life. There were clinically relevant improvements in health-related quality of life, physical health, and mental health scores. A six-week home-based stretching program, supervised via an mHealth application, proved feasible and acceptable for individuals with FM and showed promising clinical outcomes. Based on insights from this feasibility study, an RCT is planned to evaluate whether the program of home-based stretching exercises provides greater benefits than usual care alone in enhancing quality of life and functional outcomes in patients with FM. Trial registration number: NCT06176053. Date of registration: 12/08/2023.