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Fibromialgy and Physical Activity

Fibromialgy (FM) is a syndrome which creates a decrease in the pain threshold of the individual along with a decline in the overall physical condition and quality of life in comparison with a healthy subject. The main symptom is a central sensitisation which reappears in the form of a diffuse pain which affects the whole body (Rotés-Querol, 2003). This profile is also accompanied by other associated symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, alterations in cognitive functions (Friedberg & Jason, 2001) and, to a lesser extent, tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome, among others (Rotés, 1994; Goldenberg, 1999).       

There is no current curative treatment for fibromialgy. This study aims to establish preventative measures for some symptoms, while developing palliative measures for others.   

Taking into account the clinical characteristics of the syndrome, with a florid symptomatology and a high level of comorbidity with other psychiatric and physical disorders, the treatments proposed and tested are numerous and wide-ranging. These include pharmacological therapies, natural or alternative therapies, Biofeedback, physical activity programmes, psychological therapies, etc.

In terms of physical activity programmes, they are many studies that show empirical evidence in favour of aerobic training in the recuperation from the physical and psychological symptoms of FM.   

The following aspects are apparent from existing studies carried out between 1980 and 2000 in relation to exercises used for treating fibromialgy: reduced test samples, and significant variations in the intensity and duration of the programmes (Sim & Adams, 2002), etc. These aspects which make it difficult to specifically determine the effect of these physical therapies.

Given this situation there appears to be a clear need to carry out new studies based on a better quality methodology, with wider samples, more standard measurements, a detailed description of the exercises which enables their reproduced, and analysis of the dosage-response rate.

Team

• Dr. Félix Cruz
• Miss. Montserrat Virumbrales
• Mr. Agustín Acosta
• Mr. Pau Molina (Solilaser)

research projects 

• Project 1: Effects of a physical activity programme, lasting 20 weeks and based on the Huber method, on psychopathological symptoms associated with fibromialgy.
  The pain suffered by patients with fibromialgy seems to have a direct impact on the appearance of associated psychocognitive symptoms. Physical activity practised on a regular basis has been shown to be a factor in reducing the pain (Goldenberg, 1999, 2004; Hadáis & Cols, 2000; Sim & Adams, 2002; Mannerkorpi, 2005).
  The objective of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of physical aerobic activity using the Huber method on psychocognitive alterations and improvement in the quality of life in individuals diagnosed with fibromialgy. 
• Project 2: Effects of a physical activity programme, lasting 20 weeks and based on the Huber method, on pain, fatigue, physical condition, muscular weaknesses and functional or physical incapacity in individuals diagnosed with fibromialgy.
  The objective of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of physical aerobic activity, using the Huber method, on pain, fatigue, physical condition, muscular weaknesses and functional or physical incapacity in individuals diagnosed with fibromialgy.

Publications

• VIRUMBRALES CANCIO, Montserrat y OLIVER CASANOVAS, Xavier. La fibromialgia y el ejercicio. Editada por cortesía de Recuperati-On Electrolitos S.L. Barcelona, 2002.