Abstract
Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex long-term condition affecting up to 5.4% of the UK population1. It is associated with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep problems, memory and concentration difficulties, and irritable bowel syndrome2. FM guidelines recommend exercise as a core treatment for the management of FM symptoms3. Evidence shows exercise interventions are effective for people with FM, reducing pain and improving function and muscle strength4. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing a FM exercise group programme within a United Kingdom National Health Service hospital setting. Methods A pre and post evaluation was conducted. People with FM attending a rheumatology therapy department were invited to take part in a FM group exercise programme (60 minutes, once per week, seven weeks). To improve adherence, the exercise programmes were individualised based upon patients’ preferences for aerobic or resistance exercise or both. Pre and post Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), self-efficacy scale and sit-to-stand in 30 seconds outcome data were collected. Data were analysed using parametric paired samples t-tests and standardised effect size (Cohen’s d). Results A total of n=20 patients completed the exercise programme (n=3 non-completers had higher baseline FIQR scores). Of the 20 completers the mean age was 49.9 years; n=19 were women; n=2 had a concomitant diagnosis of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and n=1 had Inflammatory Arthritis. The results demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all outcome measures. There were large standardised effect sizes: self-efficacy d=0.93 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.56, 0.26), FIQR d=-1.00 (-0.32, -1.64), sit to stand in 30 seconds d=0.76 (0.07, 0.75). Conclusion An exercise programme for patients affect by FM can be successfully delivered in a hospital setting. Those who completed the programme saw large improvements in pain, self-efficacy and sit to stand. However, further research is needed to confirm the findings of this uncontrolled study.
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