New Approach in Fibromyalgia Exercise Program: A Preliminary Study Regarding the Effectiveness of Balance Training

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of balance exercises on the functional level and quality of life (QOL) of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to investigate the circumstances associated with balance disorders in FMS.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic.

Participants: Patients (N=57) (age range, 18-65y) with FMS were randomly assigned into 2 groups.

Interventions: Group 1 was given flexibility and balance exercises for 6 weeks, whereas group 2 received only a flexibility program as the control group.

Main outcome measures: Functional balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and dynamic and static balance were evaluated by a kinesthetic ability trainer (KAT) device. Fall risk was assessed with the Hendrich II fall risk model. The Nottingham Health Profile, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to determine QOL and functional and depression levels, respectively. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the 6-week program.

Results: In group 1, statistically significant improvements were observed in all parameters (P<.05), but no improvement was seen in group 2 (P>.05). When comparing the 2 groups, there were significant differences in group 1 concerning the KAT static balance test (P=.017) and FIQ measurements (P=.005). In the correlation analysis, the BDI was correlated with the BBS (r=-.434) and Hendrich II results (r=.357), whereas body mass index (BMI) was correlated with the KAT static balance measurements (r=.433), BBS (r=-.285), and fall frequency (r=.328).

Conclusions: A 6-week balance training program had a beneficial effect on the static balance and functional levels of patients with FMS. We also observed that depression deterioration was related to balance deficit and fall risk. Higher BMI was associated with balance deficit and fall frequency.

Keywords: Exercise; Exercise therapy; Fibromyalgia; Postural balance; Rehabilitation.