Group-based physical activity interventions for fibromyalgia : a systematic scoping review

Group-based physical activity interventions improve symptoms, quality of life and function, and are a cost-effective treatment approach for the management for Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Multiple forms of physical activity have been examined in the Fibromyalgia population; however, a comprehensive review of these approaches is lacking. This review aimed to map the current research and descriptively report on attrition data. A scoping review was undertaken searching Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus and Web-of-Science for studies meeting the following criteria: English language; peer-reviewed; published January 1, 2000 - February 23, 2023; adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; group-based exercise or group-based physical activity. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Data were recorded into spreadsheets, then descriptively analysed and tabulated. 17 studies were included enrolling a total of 893 participants. Most examined multi-component intervention designs. Twelve included resistance exercise, ten included flexibility, eight included aerobic, six included hydrotherapy, four included balance training, three included “mindful movement” (e.g. Qi-Gong), one included Pilates, and one included exergames. Mean attrition was 21%. Current literature on group-based physical activity for Fibromyalgia examines mostly multi-component programmes delivered by multi-disciplinary teams in community settings, matching best-practice guidelines. Future studies should explore attrition further, examining influential variables.