Efficacy of Different Types of Exercises in Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

An exercise prescription was developed for each woman based on the data acquired from the baseline treadmill exercise test. Target HR corresponding to values of 50-70 % ergospirometric VO2max (moderate-intensity) was determined by the submaximal treadmill test. The participants were instructed to perform their exercises at 50 % of VO2max for six weeks. At seventh their exercise intensity was increased to target HR corresponding to 70 % of VO2max. HR was monitored by a Polar HR monitor (Polar Beat, Port Washington, NY). Stretching exercises were performed at the beginning and end of each exercise session. Each muscle group exercise was performed 3-4 times and each repeat was 30 seconds long. The muscle groups which were involved in stretching exercises were upper trapezius, rhomboid, hip flexor, hamstring, pectoral, piriformis, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, soleus, levator scapulae, hip adductor and tensor fasciae late muscles. The exercise program was applied 3 days a week for 12 weeks.

According to the data obtained from 1-RM tests, an exercise prescription was developed for each woman. The participants were instructed to perform their exercises with 50% of 1-RM for six weeks. In the 7. week, weights were increased to 70-80% of 1-RM. The number of sets increased progressively (10 repetitions per set; 1 set in the first two weeks; 2 sets in the 3rd and 4th week; 3 sets in the 5th and 6th week). The muscle groups which were involved in resistance exercises were bilateral biceps, deltoid, trapezius, pectorals, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, rhomboid, gluteal, quadriceps, hip adductor and abductor, hamstring, gastrocnemius and abdominal muscles. Stretching exercises were performed at the beginning and end of each exercise session. Each muscle group exercise was performed 3-4 times and each repeat was 30 seconds long. Stretching exercises were given for the muscle groups they worked on. The exercise program was applied 3 days a week for 12 weeks.