EFFECT OF CUPPING THERAPY ON PAIN, CARDIORESPIRATORY PARAMETERS, AND LUNG FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: The rheumatic condition fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is marked by extensive pain, and tender points, with accompanying complaints such as stiffened muscles, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, along with dyspnea, exhaustion, and other cardio-respiratory related dysfunction. This study’s goal was to determine the effect of dry cupping intervention on pain, cardiorespiratory parameters as well as lung function in patients with FMS. Methods: Thirty females with FMS (40–60 years old) were enlisted and subsequently divided into two distinct groups: conventional treatment with ([Formula: see text] = 15) and without ([Formula: see text] = 15) cupping therapy i.e. experimental and control groups respectively. All participants received therapies 3 days a week during this study. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), digital pressure pain threshold (PPT), cardiac parameters including blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, O2 saturation and pulse rate using a pulse oximeter, respiratory parameters including chest expansion using a measuring tape, lung functions including FVC and FEV1/FVC using a spirometer were used to assess participants on baseline, last day of 2nd and 4th week of treatment. Results: Improvements in pain, PPT, oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and chest expansion, FVC and FEV1/FVC were higher in the group who got cupping therapy including conventional treatment against the group who just received conventional treatment ([Formula: see text] 0.05). At the end of the 4th week, there was no appreciable change in blood pressure levels between the groups ([Formula: see text] 0.05). Conclusion: The FMS treatment plan should include cupping therapy in addition to conventional treatment to help patients improve their cardio-respiratory fitness and overall quality of life.