Fibromyalgia In Women Research Articles

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Fibromyalgia in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder and Their Association with Childhood Abuse

Childhood abuse is a significant factor in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and many physical health disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibromyalgia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD compared to the general population. Additionally, it compared the prevalence of these conditions in women who experienced different types of childhood abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual). Participants were identified from the Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry research centre’s Women’s Mental Health Clinic database, including 150 women diagnosed with BPD. Clinicians collected information on PCOS, fibromyalgia, and trauma history. Results showed higher rates of PCOS (17.3%) and fibromyalgia (8.7%) in women with BPD compared to general population samples. Emotional abuse was associated with the highest PCOS prevalence (22.8%), while co-occurring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse was linked to the highest fibromyalgia prevalence. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD and their association with childhood abuse.

ХРОНИЧЕСКИЕ БОЛЕВЫЕ СИНДРОМЫ В СТАРЧЕСКОМ ВОЗРАСТЕ И РОЛЬ СУБСТАНЦИИ Р. ПРИ ДАННОЙ ПАТОЛОГИИ

ABSTRACT AIM. To investigate chronic pain syndromes in old age and evaluate the clinical significance of substance P in this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study enrolled 68 patients over the age of 75 years with the presence of musculoskeletal pain of any origin for at least 3 months. The mean age of the patients reached 81.9 ± 5.8 years (from 75 to 100 years), most of them were women (85.3%). In this study, the severity of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the type of pain was analyzed using questionnaires and scales: DN4, PainDetect, Fibromyalgia Identification Questionnaire (FIRST), Central Sensitization Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire. The blood concentration of substance P was determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The severity of pain syndrome on the VAS scale reached 6.3 ± 2.2 points. The mean scores for DN4 were 3.9 ± 2.1 points, and for PainDetect — 14.7 ± 9.4 points. The mean value of the FIRST questionnaire for diagnosing fibromyalgia was 3.5 ± 1.6 points, and the McGill questionnaire was 69.8 ± 43.7 points. The mean value of the central sensitization scale reached 44.3 ± 16.7 points. Pain syndrome was more severe in women: the mean VAS value in women was 6.4 ± 2.3, in men — 5.1 ± 1.2 points (p = 0.02). The severity of the neuropathic component of the pain syndrome in women was also higher: DN4 scores in women were 4.0 ± 2.1, and in men — 2.9 ± 1.7 points (p = 0.08), and PainDetect — 15.7 ± 9.4 and 8.6 ± 6.4 points, respectively (p = 0.02). The mean values of the screening questionnaire for diagnosing fibromyalgia in women reached 3.7 ± 1.5 points, and in men — 2.7 ± 1.5 points (p = 0.07). In the group of women, the mean McGill questionnaire scores were 74.2 ± 45.2, in men — 45.3 ± 23.6 points (p = 0.006). The mean values of the central sensitization questionnaire for women were: 46.1 ± 16.3, and for men — 34.2 ± 15.5 points (p = 0.03). However, no significant differences in the severity of depression were recorded in women and men: 6.2 ± 2.8 and 5.0 ± 3.4 points, respectively (p = 0.3). The mean concentration of substance P in the study group was 222.6 ± 92.9 pg/ml, varying from 74 to 529 pg/ml. In men, the mean blood concentration of substance P reached 267.1 ± 85.2 pg/ml, in women — 214.2 ± 92.7 pg/ml (p = 0.02). An inverse correlation was registered between the blood concentration of substance P and the age of patients (r = −0.31; p = 0.02). No significant relationships were found between the blood concentration of substance P and the values of all pain questionnaires. Significant correlations were registered between VAS and DN4 (r = 0.29; p = 0.01), PainDetect (r = 0.41; p = 0.004), McGill questionnaire (r = 0.53; p < 0.0001) and central sensitization questionnaire (r = 0.3; p = 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the severity of pain according to VAS and the severity of depression (r = 0.16; p = 0.21). The severity of depression correlated with indicators of DN4 (r = 0.31; p = 0.01), FIRST (r = 0.26; p = 0.03), McGill questionnaire (r = 0.29; p = 0.02) and central sensitization questionnaire (r = 0.5; p < 0.0001). There was a direct correlation between the age of patients and indicators of DN 4 (r = 0.24; p = 0.05) and the central sensitization questionnaire (r = 0.25; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION. The study results suggest the presence of severe chronic pain syndrome of various types in old patients and longlivers. Significant relationships were found between pain indicators assessed using different scales and questionnaires. In this study, no significant correlations were established between the blood concentration of substance P and pain parameters. KEYWORDS: pain, old age, substance P, questionnaires, scales, neuropathic, depression

Modulating factors of fibromyalgia in women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A protocol for systematic review.

Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects mostly women and is related to stressors. The aim of this study was to assess how the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected women with fibromyalgia. A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer Link databases, following the recommendations of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement. The methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for non-randomized studies. A total of 6 studies were included. Most results indicated a worsening in the mental health of women with fibromyalgia during the pandemic, and this in turn impacted on physical health. The mental health of women with fibromyalgia was more affected during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period than that of non-fibromyalgia sufferers. This was also reflected in the worsening of symptoms and weakness in performing daily activities.

Fibromyalgia in women: association of inflammatory plasma proteins, muscle blood flow, and metabolism with body mass index and pain characteristics.

Obesity is a common comorbidity in fibromyalgia (FM). Both FM and obesity have been connected to low-grade inflammation, although it is possible that previously reported inflammatory alterations in FM primarily may be linked to increased body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to investigate whether the inflammatory plasma protein profile, muscle blood flow, and metabolism and pain characteristics (clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measurements) differed between female patients with FM with and without obesity. Patients with FM underwent clinical examinations, physical tests, and answered questionnaires. They were dichotomized according to BMI (<30 kg/m2 [n = 14]; ≥30 kg/m2 [n = 13]). Blood samples were collected and analyzed using a panel of 71 inflammatory plasma proteins. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in blood pressure, pulse, max VO2, pain intensity, physical capacity, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire between the groups; the obese group had higher blood pressure, pulse, pain intensity, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. There were 14 proteins that contributed to the group belonging. The 4 most important proteins for the group discrimination were MIP1β, MCP4, IL1RA, and IL6, which showed higher concentrations in obese patients with FM. Significantly decreased blood flow and increased concentration of pyruvate were detected in obese patients compared with nonobese patients. There was significant correlation between inflammatory proteins and sedentary behavior and health status in obese patients with FM. These findings suggest that metabolism and inflammation interact in female patients with FM with obesity and might cause chronic low-grade inflammation. Screening for obesity and monitoring of BMI changes should be considered in the treatment of patients with FM.

Fibromyalgia of Women Who Gave Birth and Pregnancy Outcome Parameters

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is a common chronic disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in certain anatomic locations. Even though Fibromyalgia’s prevalence and common symptoms in pregnant women are known, many issues related to the consequences of mother’s fibromyalgia on pregnancy outcome have not been enough explored. The aim of this study is to highlight the relationship between fibromyalgia of women who gave birth and pregnancy outcome parameters like child delivery ways and newborn health. A first preliminary epidemiology study was thus carried out in the Bingerville general hospital. Our results showed that fibromyalgia was prevalent in women who gave birth as among 271 women who gave birth, 48.03% have fibromyalgia. A high frequency of women with fibromyalgia delivered by caesarian section (79.7%). Apgar score indicated that newborns of the study have a good vitality as the score is higher than or equal to 7 for the majority of newborns. A large number of newborns were apparently in good health (160/184) compared to unhealthy newborns (24/184). We saw that a large frequency of unhealthy newborns were born from women with fibromyalgia (14/24; 58.3%) while a low proportion of apparently in good health newborns were born from women with fibromyalgia. Healthy newborns have not been observed. All together, these data highlight the prevalence of fibromyalgia in women who gave birth and a relationship between fibromyalgia of mother, delivery modality and newborn health. However, in the situation of newborns’ health, the link was not direct.

Low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundLow-dose naltrexone (LDN) is used widely as an off-label treatment for pain despite limited evidence for its effectiveness. A few small trials with a high risk of bias have investigated the effect of LDN on pain associated with fibromyalgia in women, but larger and more methodologically robust studies are needed. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate if 12 weeks of LDN treatment is superior to placebo in reducing the average pain intensity during the last 7 days in women with fibromyalgia.MethodsA single-center, permuted block randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will be performed in Denmark. Randomization comprises 100 women aged 18–64 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia who will be treated with either LDN or placebo for 12 weeks including a 4-week titration phase. The primary outcome is change in average pain intensity (during the last 7 days) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are other fibromyalgia-related symptoms, i.e., tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, memory problems, depression, anxiety and measures of global assessment, physical function, impact of fibromyalgia, pain distribution, and health-related quality of life. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, and the number of responders with a more than 15%, 30%, and 50% improvement of pain after 12 weeks will be calculated for the LDN and placebo groups. Exploratory outcomes include measures of pain sensitivity, muscle performance, and biomarkers.DiscussionThis study will contribute with high-level evidence on the efficacy of low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of pain in women with fibromyalgia. Secondary outcomes include both disease-specific and generic components investigating whether LDN influences other symptoms than pain. Explorative outcomes are included to provide greater insight into the mechanism of action of LDN and possibly a better understanding of the underlying pathology in fibromyalgia.Trial registrationEudraCT 2019-000702-30. Registered on 12 July 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270877. Registered on 17 February 2020

COMT rs4680 single nucleotide polymorphism, ethnicity, and age are associated with fibromyalgia in women

To investigate the influence of the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme (COMT) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4680 (G/A) on fibromyalgia in women. In this observational study of case-control type 29 women with a diagnosis of FM (cases) and 31 healthy non-fibromyalgia women (controls). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, as well as data relating to Symptom Severity Scale and Generalized Pain Index and peripheral blood samples for DNA extraction; genotypic analyzes were performed by PCR-SSP. We observed that rs4680 AA genotype was more frequently observed in fibromyalgia than controls (p=0.02). The A allele was also more often present in the fibromyalgia participants than in their control peers (p = 0.03). There was a statistically significant association between race and FM sufferers, showing that those of white ethnicity had a 2.05 times greater chance of developing the syndrome than non-white individuals (p=0.03; CI 95% 0.93 – 4.53). A statistically significant correlation between age and FM was observed (rS=0.812, p=0.01). This study demonstrates that white women above the age of 45, who have the AA genotype or A-allele, presents a higher risk of developing FM, showing that this polymorphism of the COMT gene may be one of the risk factors for the fibromyalgia.

Does infertility trigger fibromyalgia in women?

Does infertility trigger fibromyalgia in women?

Experiences of Falling Ill with Fibromyalgia: An Incursion into the Collective Imaginary of Women

Abstract A psychoanalytic exploration of the collective imaginary of patients about a chronic condition can help health professionals to understand the experience of falling ill in its intersubjective aspect. This study aimed to investigate the collective imaginary about fibromyalgia in women affected by this syndrome. This is a qualitative study based on the psychoanalytic investigative method. Data were collected from 18 women through group interviews guided by the Drawing-Story with Theme Procedure. Data analysis followed technical movements defined by the oscillation from a receptive passivity to an active receptivity. Results showed that, after falling ill, the participants did not feel to be the same persons they were before or, in certain cases, no longer regard themselves as persons at all. It was also verified that delegitimation generates psychological suffering described by the participants as a kind of pain. Therefore, it is recommended to value relational technologies in health care offered by multidisciplinary teams to women with fibromyalgia

Hormonal Contraceptive Treatment May Reduce the Risk of Fibromyalgia in Women with Dysmenorrhea: A Cohort Study.

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological disorder for women in the reproductive age. Study has indicated that dysmenorrhea might be a general risk factor of chronic pelvic pain and even chronic non-pelvic pain, such as fibromyalgia. We used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 from the Taiwan National Health Research Institutes Database to investigate whether women with dysmenorrhea have a higher risk of fibromyalgia and whether treatment of dysmenorrhea reduced the risk of fibromyalgia. The dysmenorrhea cohort was matched with a non-dysmenorrhea cohort at a 1:1 ratio based on gender, age, and the year of entry study by frequency matching. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the risk of fibromyalgia, with controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, comorbidities, and medication use. After controlling confounding variables, results revealed that women with dysmenorrhea have a significantly higher risk of fibromyalgia than women without dysmenorrhea. However, only treatment of dysmenorrhea with hormonal contraceptives reduce the risk of fibromyalgia. These results indicated that dysmenorrhea may be a risk factor of fibromyalgia, whereas personalized medicine for treatment of dysmenorrhea may be the key to reduce the risk of fibromyalgia. Future studies are needed to identify the causes and prevention strategies in detail.

Fibromyalgia in Women with Acne Vulgaris

Fibromyalgia in Women with Acne Vulgaris

Effects of Qigong practice in quality of life, fatigue, sleep, pain and epigenetic biomarkers in adult women with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome mainly diagnosed through patient medical history. These individuals may present symptoms, such as sleeping disorders, migraines, and widespread pain through the musculoskeletal system, resulting in less quality of life. Treatment for fibromyalgia is based on pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. Mind-body practices, such as Baduanjin Qigong, have been described as promising alternatives to better multiple symptoms presented by individuals with the condition. Searching for non-pharmacological alternatives that significantly increase the quality of life of these individuals, this study evaluates the alterations in epigenetic markers in short- and long-term after the practice of Baduanjin Qigong. The participants took part in presential sessions of Baduanjin Qigong twice a week for 8 weeks, as well as being encouraged to practice at home for 4 weeks. The evaluation of the biomarkers was made through the collection of blood samples before the first session, after the sessions in person and after the 4 weeks of practice at home. Fatigue, sleep quality and chronic pain were evaluated before the first sessions and at the end of the process, through the application of self-reported instruments: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness-Fatigue (FACIT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Multidimensional Pain Evaluation Scale (EMADOR). As a result, significant improvements were found in quality of life, and in the symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance and in chronic pain in some regions of the body. In spite of the clinical-functional improvements, no significant alterations were found in the activity of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzymes after the intervention. The practice of Qigong approved to be a good alternative to improve the main symptoms of fibromyalgia in women, without involving modulation of HAT activity.

Fibromyalgia in Women across the Lifespan: A Family Feminist Therapy Approach

ABSTRACT Fibromyalgia is a disorder that largely impacts females of all ages, yet there is limited treatment and research available, particularly related to family therapy. Fibromyalgia impacts family functioning, communication, and connectedness. Feminist family therapy offers a lens with which to address the myriad of concerns that a family faces, in a manner that empowers and validates the lived experiences of the client with fibromyalgia and their family. Mental health counselors can incorporate developmental context alongside feminist family therapeutic approach to assist women and their families to develop coping strategies, advocacy skills, and life meaning given the potential limitations that coincide with fibromyalgia.

The joint effect of insomnia symptoms and lifestyle factors on risk of self-reported fibromyalgia in women: longitudinal data from the HUNT Study

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between insomnia symptoms and risk of self-reported fibromyalgia in women, and to explore whether leisure time physical activity and body mass index (BMI) modify this association.DesignProspective...

Dyspareunia in Female Fibromyalgia patients

Objective: To evaluate tender points number, pressure pain threshold and incidence of fibromyalgia in women with dyspareuniaPatients and Methods: Married women dyspareunia were compared to 35 healthy controls. Females were asked if they encountered sexual intercourse throughout the preceding month and dyspareunia was rated from zero to 3 by usingMarinoff Dyspareunia Scale (MDS). Dolorimeter (pressure algometer) was employed to assess pressure pain threshold. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia was based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Depression status of was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results: No significant statistical difference was found among both patients and control groups in relation to age, body mass index (BMI). Myalgic score and total tender point score was significantly lower in the dyspareunia group. Tender points score among dyspareunia patients was significantly higher. Themean score of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was 18.1±6.7 among dyspareunia group diagnosed with fibromyalgia compared to 11.3±4.1 in the dyspareunia group without fibromyalgiaConclusion: fibromyalgia is a contributing factor to dyspareunia

Evidence for an association between endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the association between endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disease (AID) in a large population database and to describe healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in affected women. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using the computerized databases of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), a 2.1-million-member healthcare plan in Israel. Age-sex-specific point prevalence rates of endometriosis and fibromyalgia were calculated for end of 2015. Socio-demographic characteristics, HCRU, co-morbidities, including AID and depression or anxiety were described according to endometriosis/fibromyalgia status and analyzed using ordinary logistic regression models. Among a total population of 781571 adult women, 6647 were diagnosed with endometriosis (8.5 per 1000) and 25425 with fibromyalgia (32 per 1000). A total of 401 women (0.5 per 1000) were diagnosed with both conditions. In 2015, the mean age of the women diagnosed with endometriosis and fibromyalgia was 42 and 55years, respectively. Women with co-occurrence were characterized by increased HCRU and a high prevalence rate of AID compared to women with no diagnosis of endometriosis/fibromyalgia, with 6.2% diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vs 1% in the comparison group. The prevalence of fibromyalgia in women with endometriosis was 6%. Adjusted ORs (95% CI) for fibromyalgia among endometriosis patients were 4.1 (2.02-8.36) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 3.1 (1.5-6.2) for Sjögren syndrome, 2.9 (1.87-4.7) for IBD, 2.1 (1.6-2.7) for dispensed antidepressants, and 1.7 (1.37-2.2) for diagnosed anxiety/depression. Co-occurrence of endometriosis and fibromyalgia is associated with a high burden of AID, anxiety/depression, and HCRU.

Serum levels of serotonin as a biomarker of newly diagnosed fibromyalgia in women: Its relation to the platelet indices.

Background:This study aimed to assess the serum serotonin levels in the newly diagnosed fibromyalgia (FM) and to relate these levels to the presenting signs and symptoms.Materials and Methods:This case–control study included 35 healthy women (Group I) served as controls and 130 women with newly diagnosed FM (Group II). The diagnosis of FM was confirmed by the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology-10. The assessment of pain using a revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire and tender points scoring, blood platelet indices, and serum serotonin levels were determined.Results:Group II patients had significantly (P < 0.001) higher values of mean platelet volume (MPV) (10.60 ± 1.57fL) and platelet width distribution (16.25 ± 1.45%) than the corresponding values in Group I (8.73 ± 0.81fL and 15.0 ± 1.15%). Significant low-serum serotonin levels observed in Group II patients compared with Group I healthy individuals (187.3 ± 50.3 ng/ml vs. 219.5 ± 78.3 ng/ml, P = 0.026). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the nonsignificant correlations between serum serotonin levels and platelet indices in Group II patients.Conclusion:Newly diagnosed FM women have significantly low-serum serotonin levels, which does not correlate with a significant increment of the platelet activity expressed as increase MPV and platelet width distribution percentage. Therefore, this study highlighted that the correction of serum serotonin level by medicines could help the patients.

Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling.

BackgroundExergames are a new form of rehabilitation that combine the characteristics of physical exercise and the benefits of non-immersive virtual reality (VR). Effects of this novel therapy in women fibromyalgia are still unknown. The objective was to evaluate the effects of exergame-based intervention on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling in women with fibromyalgia.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation. Seventy-six women with fibromyalgia were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an eight week intervention based on exergames, while the control group continued their usual activities. Mobility skills were evaluated using the timed up and go test, while balance was assessed using the functional reach test, and the CTSIB protocol. Fear of falling was evaluated on a scale of 0–100 (0, no fear; 100, extreme fear). Measurements were performed before and after the intervention. A repeated-measures linear mixed model was used to compare the effects of the intervention between the two groups.ResultsThe exercise group was significantly quicker than the control group in the timed up and go test (MD, −0.71; 95% CI [−1.09–0.32]; p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in functional reach and a reduced fear of falling (MD, 4.34; 95% CI [1.39–7.30]; p = 0.005 and MD, −9.85; 95% CI [−0.19–−0.08]; p = 0.048, respectively).DiscussionThe improved TUG observed herein was better than the smallest real difference. Based on the results on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling, exergames may be an effective tool as a therapy for women with fibromyalgia.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Yoga and Strengthening Exercises on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Yoga and Strengthening Exercises on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women

Benefits of resistance exercise in lean women with fibromyalgia: involvement of IGF-1 and leptin

BackgroundChronic pain and fatigue improves by exercise in fibromyalgia (FM) but underlying mechanisms are not known. Obesity is increased among FM patients and associates with higher levels of pain. Symptom improvement after aerobic exercise is affected by body mass index (BMI) in FM. Metabolic factors such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin may be involved. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the role of metabolic factors in lean, overweight and obese women during resistance exercise, in relation to symptom severity and muscle strength in women with FM.MethodsForty-three women participated in supervised progressive resistance exercise, twice weekly for 15-weeks. Serum free and total IGF-1, IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), adiponectin, leptin and resistin were determined at baseline and after 15-weeks. Level of current pain was rated on a visual analogue scale (0–100 mm). Level of fatigue was rated by multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) subscale general fatigue (MFIGF). Knee extension force, elbow flexion force and handgrip force were assessed by dynamometers.ResultsFree IGF-1 (p = 0.047), IGFBP3 (p = 0.025) and leptin (p = 0.008) were significantly decreased in lean women (n = 18), but not in the overweight (n = 17) and the obese (n = 8). Lean women with FM benefited from resistance exercise with improvements in current pain (p= 0.039, n = 18), general fatigue (MFIGF, p = 0.022, n = 18) and improved elbow-flexion force (p = 0.017, n = 18). In overweight and obese women with FM there was no significant improvement in pain or fatigue but an improvement in elbow flexion (p = 0.049; p = 0.012) after 15 weeks of resistance exercise.ConclusionThe clearest clinical response to resistance exercise was found in lean patients with FM. In these individuals, individualized resistance exercise was followed by changes in IGF-1 and leptin, reduced pain, fatigue and improved muscular strength. In overweight and obese women FM markers of metabolic signaling and clinical symptoms were unchanged, but strength was improved in the upper limb. Resistance exercise combined with dietary interventions might benefit patients with FM and overweight.Trial registrationThe trial was registered 21 of October 2010 with ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT01226784.