Fibromyalgia: functional exercise to soothe pain

Pain all over the body, sleep disturbances, fatigue or even anxiety… Here are some symptoms of fibromyalgia, a diffuse chronic pain syndrome that is still very difficult to diagnose and treat. Doctors actually operate by elimination, that is to say that they retain the diagnosis of fibromyalgia once they have eliminated the other pathologies. Regarding the treatments, they are too few and too ineffective. However, according to a study published in the journal Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Sciences in Sportsexercising could help with pain and illness.

Functional training on trial

The researchers of the study wanted to analyze the effects of a functional training program on the pain, physical fitness and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia. Functional training consists of reproducing everyday gestures to build muscle: lifting loads, pushing, climbing, pulling, etc. Forty women participated in this study: 24 followed an exercise program and 16 served as a control group. Each participant had to answer a questionnaire. Thus, women who exercised experienced significant improvements. Conversely, women in the control group reported a significant deterioration in their quality of life.

Soon sports prescription in case of fibromyalgia?

In more detail, physical exercise reportedly improved leg strength, balance, cardio-respiratory status, emotional management and mental health. These parameters deteriorated in the control group. Although these results are encouraging, it should be noted that these are data ad hoc, that is to say that the researchers realized these improvements without studying them at the base. These results are based on patient testimonials. New studies must be carried out in order to consider physical activity as a real treatment. As a reminder, sport can be prescribed by a doctor since 2016 in the event of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or depression.