April 7, 2010 – Incorporating moderate physical activity into daily life – 30 minutes a day – would help reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia and encourage them to stay active, according to pilot trial results1.
The study was carried out on 84 people suffering from fibromyalgia for several years. The participants initially had a very low level of physical activity.
Subjects in the active group were required to accumulate approximately 30 minutes per day of moderate activity, 5 to 7 days per week. Each subject was free to choose the type of activity that suited him best.
According to the results, active people reported 35% less pain and 18% less physical limitations than those in the control group, who did not participate in physical activity.
The objective was to increase the level of physical activity of the subjects of the active group in daily life rather than to force them to an exercise program. For example, using the stairs instead of the elevator, getting off the metro or bus 1 or 2 stops before your destination to walk more, walking briskly to activate your metabolism, gardening, getting busy various jobs around the house, etc.
It should be noted that patients in the active group complied with the instructions in a proportion of approximately 90%. In studies using more systematic physical activity programs, protocol adherence rarely exceeds 60%. In the present study, members of the active group increased their daily physical activity goal by 54%, as measured using a pedometer. According to the study authors, this approach would be more suitable for patients with fibromyalgia than traditional physical activity programs.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Fontaine KR, Conn L, Clauw DJ. Effects of lifestyle physical activity on perceived symptoms and physical function in adults with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized trial. Arthritis Res Ther. 2010 Mar 30; 12 (2): R55.
