A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL-TRIAL OF EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL-TRAINING FOR WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of self-management education and physical training in decreasing fibromyalgia (FMS) symptoms and i ncreasing physical and psychological well being. Methods. A pretest-po sttest control group design was used. Ninety-nine women with FMS were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups; 86 completed the study. The educat ion only group received a 6-week self-management course. The education plus physical training group received the course and 6 h of training designed to assist them to exercise independently. The control group g ot treatment after 3 months. Results. The experimental programs had a significant positive impact on quality of life and self-efficacy. Help lessness, number of days feeling bad, physical dysfunction, and pain i n the tender points decreased significantly in one or both of the trea ted groups when retested 6 weeks after the end of the program. Longter m followup of 67 treated subjects showed significant positive changes on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire primarily in the physical tra ining group. Among all subjects, 87% were exercising at least 3 times/ week for 20 min or more; 46% said they had increased their exercise le vel since participating in the program; 70% were practicing relaxation strategies as needed; 46% were working at least half time as opposed to 37% at pretest. Conclusion. Self-efficacy of the treated groups was enhanced significantly by the program. Other changes were smaller and more delayed than had been expected. Recommendations for future trial s include a longer education program, more vigorous physical training, and longterm followup.