Fibromyalgia and sports

Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, numerous so-called tender points, and nonspecific symptoms such as non-refreshing sl eep, fatigue or abdominal complaints. Several studies proved that main moto r abilities such as strength, endurance, and flexibility were reduced compa red to healthy controls. Physical exercise is experienced as being abnormal ly strenuous. Intensive physical activity regularly exacerbates pain. Never theless, several studies demonstrated that regular aerobic fitness training (e.g., 30 to 45 minutes walking, jogging, or bicycling trice a week) was e ffective with regard to several symptoms (myalgia, pain threshold, number o f tender points). Additionally, the prognosis of fibromyalgia improves. Pos sible triggering of pain due to intensive exercise requires a cautious incr ease of the workload. Longterm effects are often endangered by low complian ce of many patients. This review summarises the physical restrictions as we ll as prophylactic and therapeutic effects of physical exercise in fibromya lgia.