This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of infrared radiation in improving the various symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome, by using a long-sleeved white shirt impregnated with a long-infrared irradiating bioceramic, as well as the adherence to it and its applicability in daily routines. A prospective, experimental, randomized, and double-blind study was carried. The study was implemented over 7 months, with a total of 5 visits for each patient. Participants were randomly allocated in experimental or control group. Those included in the experimental group received a shirt impregnated with ceramic emitting long infrared waves while participants in the placebo group received an exactly looking shirt, but not impregnated with ceramic emitting long infrared waves. Each visit comprised clinical evaluation and self-report scales filling (WPS, SS and FIQR scales).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
16
Usage of an experimental shirt for a period of 12 weeks.
Usage of an experimental shirt for a period of 12 weeks.
2CA-Braga
Braga, Portugal
WPI
The widespread pain index (WPI) is a 19-point checklist (score range: 0-19) that assesses the presence of pain or tenderness score means (within the prior seven days) in 19 specific areas of the body; each affected area receives one point.
Time frame: Change between baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of wearing the shirt.
SS
The symptom severity score (SS) quantifies symptom severity on a 0-12 scale by assessing problems with fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and unrefreshed sleep over the past week. These scores are summed for a measure of the physician's impression of the number of somatic symptoms the patient has on a 0-3 scale.
Time frame: Change between baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of wearing the shirt.
FIQR
Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) is a 21-item self-administered questionnaire. All items are visual analogue scales with 11 boxes discreetly scoring from 0 to 10 with 10 being 'worst'. All questions are framed in the context of the past 7 days.
Time frame: Change between baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of wearing the shirt.
Tender Points
Number of tender points at the moment.
Time frame: Change between baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of wearing the shirt.
EQ-5D
EQ-5D is a standardized measure of health-related quality of life. EQ-5D assesses health status in terms of five dimensions of health (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression).
Time frame: Change between baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of wearing the shirt.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.