This study evaluates the effect to a muscle stretching program combined with physical exercise versus a physical exercise program in patients with fibromyalgia.
Although classically this pathology was characterized by having an unknown etiology, current research suggests that the disease shows several abnormalities in the central pain processing. Central sensitization is defined as changes in neuroplasticity of central nervous system as a result of persistent and intense sensory information nociceptive generated by peripheral and transmitted to the neurons in the dorsal horn of the cord through the nerves of the peripheral nervous system tissues, through a constant activity of C fibers and A-beta fibers. In recent years the theory that pain is responsible for other symptoms, is changing, and it is theorized that the quality of sleep directly influences in the symptoms. The treatment of fibromyalgia is based on trying to reduce pain and associated symptoms described above in order to improve the quality of life of these patients. Almost all revisions studying the effects of physical activity in fibromyalgia agree that it is effective in reducing the overall impact on the disease and its symptoms. Muscle strength training aim to improve the strength, endurance and muscle power. There are few conclusive studies on the benefits of stretching and flexibility exercises on the impact of fibromyalgia.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
Subjects completed one stretching session on the main muscle groups of the body weekly.
Subjects completed 3 moderate intensity aerobic physical exercise sessions weekly.
CEU Cardenal Herrera University
Moncada, Valencia, Spain
Pittsburgh sleep quality index
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, where a lower score (0-21), better sleep quality. Follows a continuous metric scale.
Time frame: At the beginning, every two weeks up to 12 weeks
Epworth sleepiness scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, where a lower score (0-24), better sleep. Follows a continuous metric scale.
Time frame: At the beginning, every two weeks up to 12 weeks
Sleep scale (medical outcomes study)
The Sleep Scale from the Medical Outcomes Study evaluates the quality of sleep with a score of (0-100), where 0 is "no problem" and 100 is "maximum problems". Follows a continuous metric scale.
Time frame: At the beginning, every two weeks up to 12 weeks
Visual analog scale
The visual analog scale measures the perceived pain with a score ofh a (0-100), where a higher score means more pain. Follows a continuous metric scale.
Time frame: At the beginning, every two weeks up to 12 weeks
Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire
The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire follows a continuous metric scale, (0-100), where a higher score means lower quality of life.
Time frame: At the beginning, every two weeks up to 12 weeks
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