Investigation of effectiveness of reformer pilates in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, sleep disorder, fatigue, other somatic symptoms. Clinical pilates method is therapeutic modality that can be used in improving the symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reformer pilates exercises in individuals with FM and to compare with home mat pilates.

Material and methods: Twenty-eight women (age mean=45.61±10.31) diagnosed with FM were included in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as reformer pilates group (n=14) and home mat pilates group (n=14). Reformer and home mat pilates exercises were given 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The number of painful regions with Pain Location Inventory (PLI), clinical status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), lower extremity muscle strength with Chair Stand Test, functional mobility with The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), biopsychosocial status with Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36) were evaluated. All evaluations were assessed before and after treatment.

Results: There was a significant difference in FIQ and chair stand test in reformer pilates group, while in PLI, FIQ, BETY-BQ vs. SF-36 Physical Component in home group (p<0.05) compared with baseline. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of delta value (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Reformer pilates exercises had positive effects on clinical status and muscle strength while home mat pilates exercises had positive effects on the number of painful regions, clinical status, biopsychosocial status and physical component quality of life. Clinical trial registration number NCT04218630.

Keywords: Dolor; Ejercicio; Exercise; Fibromialgia; Fibromyalgia; Fuerza muscular; Muscle strength; Pain.