Stretching and Strengthening Exercise in Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain, tender points and other symptoms as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. Therapeutic exercises are described as an important form to management of symptoms. This study aims to assess strengthening and stretching exercise efficacy in symptoms and quality of life of Fibromyalgia patients. The study is done at General Clinical Hospital of Medicine Scholl of University of Sao Paulo. 63 subjects undergo the study and they are divided into three groups: 1 strengthening exercise, 2 stretching exercise and 3 control group. Patients are evaluated by following instruments: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, dolorimetry at tender points by a Fischer dolorimeter, finger-to-tip floor test for muscular flexibility, dynamometer EMG System do Brasil for strength test of extension and flexion of knees and elbows, time to get up and go test, functional reach test, sit-to-stand test. Subjects of 1 strengthening exercise group undergo a global strengthening program and 2 stretching exercise group undergo a global stretching program. All programs have 12 weeks of duration and physical therapy is twice a week. The control group does not do any intervention during 12 weeks and after the second evaluation they enter the common program of physical therapy. Data are being analyzed by descriptive and interferential statistics procedures.