EFFECTS OF A GROUP ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS ON PHYSICAL-FITNESS AND WELL-BEING

Objectives: The goals of this study were to determine the effects of a n exercise program on physical fitness and perceived benefits among fi bromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients. Methods: Patients were randomly as signed [ratio 2:1, anticipating dropout] to a fitness intervention [FI , N 58] group or a nonintervention [NI, N 27] group. In both groups, p hysical fitness [maximal power output, muscular strength/endurance, fl exibility, coordination] and body composition were measured before and after the six-month observation period. The FI-group underwent a fitn ess program two times per week for six months while the NI-group conti nued their usual activity undirected. Benefits perceived by the FI-gro up were assessed six months after finishing the study. Results: The dr opout rate among the FI group was lower than expected [45 of 58 comple ted], while 27 of 29 in the NI-group completed. Despite randomization, completing FI-group subjects were older than the NI-group [mean ages 47 +/- 8 versus 42 +/- 8 years]. The NI-group exhibited a decrease in peak power output and peak heart rate during the study period. Surpris ingly, the same was true for the FI-group where the mean peak power ou tput declined from 233 +/- 28 Watts to 112 +/- 23 Watts and the mean p eak heart rate declined from 153 +/- 20 to 145 +/- 17. Most of the FI- group subjects [83%] perceived benefits [physical, social] from the ex ercise program and continued it at their own expense. Conclusions: The fitness program failed to improve the apparent physical fitness in th e FMS patient participants but the majority believed they had benefite d and elected to continue it.