Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Fibromyalgia Patients

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is associated with chronic widespread pain and at least eleven positive tender points out of 18 according to the 1990 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) (1). Pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia interfere with daily functions, work and social activities, leading to a decrease in quality of life. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) stimulates nerve fibers that provide innervation in healthy muscle and muscle fibers in denervated muscle to produce contraction. Studies on TENS current in patients with FM have shown that pain decreases and functional status improves. However, although muscle weakness has been described in patients with FM, there are no studies on the effects of NMES application. All patients will be taught neck normal joint motion exercises, upper trapezius stretching exercise and posture exercises. Patients included in the study will be randomly distributed equally between the two groups. In addition to the study group, NMES will be applied to the upper trapezius muscle for 30 minutes 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Pain, disability and sleep quality of all patients will be evaluated.