Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome

"Hands-On" and "Hands-Off" Physiotherapy Treatments in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing fibromyalgia, a multifaceted disorder, through a combination of active and passive treatments. The purpose of this review is to compare the efficacy of "hands-off" treatments alone versus the combination of "hands-off" and "hands-on" therapies. Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), CENTRAL, and Embase were searched. English-language randomized controlled trials involving adults with fibromyalgia were included. The included studies were divided into subgroups to reduce the possible heterogeneity. We calculated the standardized mean difference or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for the continuous data according to the outcome measures. We used the risk ratio for dichotomous data of the drop-out rate of the studies. Results: We included and analyzed seven RCTs. The meta-analysis showed no significant results in the outcomes, pain, QoL, health status, and drop-out rate. We found significant results (p < 0.001) in favor of combining "hands-off" and "hands-on" treatments for the rest quality (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.09). Conclusions: This review increases the treatment options available for clinicians. Up to now, the main guidelines on managing fibromyalgia suggest only approaches based on "hands-off" treatments. These findings suggest that other approaches based on mixed interventions combining "hands-off" and "hands-on" treatments did not reduce the patient outcomes. Moreover, the mixed intervention led to better results for the patients' sleep quality than the "hands-off" treatments alone.

Adherence to ACSM exercise guidelines and its influence on Fibromyalgia treatment outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a multifaceted chronic pain disorder that exerts a substantial impact on the overall state of health and quality of life of patients.

Purpose

Investigate the effects of exercise therapy and adherence to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines on treatment outcomes in FMS patients.

Methods

The literature search, which concluded in October 2023, encompassed studies investigating the impact of exercise interventions on patients diagnosed with FMS and providing adequate data for calculating standardized mean difference (SMD). The primary outcome measures encompassed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), while secondary outcome measures comprised pain levels, sleep quality, fatigue, and mental health.

Results

Among 4,008 records, 19 studies (patients = 857) were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis revealed that the SMD for overall state of health impact was -0.94 (95%CI -1.26, -0.63), and the pooled SMD for the subgroup with high adherence to ACSM guidelines was -1.17 (95%CI -1.65, -0.69). The SMD for the subgroup with low or uncertain adherence was -0.73 (95%CI -1.12, -0.34). The overall effects included a -1.21 (95%CI -1.62, -0.79) SMD for pain relief, with high adherence achieving a -1.32 (95%CI -2.00, -0.64) SMD and low adherence a -1.06 (95%CI -1.55, -0.57) SMD. Mental health improvements showed a -0.95 (95%CI -1.32, -0.57) overall SMD, with high and low adherence subgroups at -0.96 (95%CI -1.62, -0.30) and -0.94 (95%CI -1.29, -0.60), respectively. Sleep quality impact was -1.59 (95%CI -2.31, -0.87) overall, with high adherence at -1.71 (95%CI -2.58, -0.83) and low adherence at -1.11 (95%CI -1.88, -0.33). Fatigue impact had a -1.55 (95%CI -2.26, -0.85) overall SMD, with -1.77 (95%CI -3.18, -0.36) for high adherence and -1.35 (95%CI -2.03, -0.66) for low adherence.

Conclusion

Exercise therapy can improve the overall state of health, pain, sleep, and fatigue of FMS patients, particularly when adhering to ACSM guidelines. However, adherence levels do not affect mental health gains, indicating a need for future research on psychological impact.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-3-0106/, identifier INPLASY202430106.

Recognizing and Treating Major Depression in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Primer for the Non-Psychiatrist

Fibromyalgia (FM) affects 2% to 8% of the general population. FM patients often experience self-stigma and feel rejected by healthcare providers and families, resulting in isolation and distressing symptoms of pain, fatigue, and poor cognitive functioning, increasing the risk of depressive symptoms. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common comorbidity in FM patients (Any depression: 43%; MDD: 32%). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a common genetic risk loci for major depression and fibromyalgia. Given that even minor symptoms of depression worsen the outcomes of FM patients, clinicians are challenged to identify and manage depression in these patients. However, due to overlapping symptoms, limited screening, and contamination bias, MDD often goes undiagnosed and presents a critical challenge. Unrecognized and untreated MDD in FM patients can exacerbate fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain, reduce physical functioning, and increase the risk of developing comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. These comorbidities are associated with a lower treatment response rate, a higher dropout rate, and a greater risk of relapse. Clinicians may effectively identify and treat MDD in FM patients with appropriate pharmacologic agents combined with aerobic exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapies for core FM symptoms, thus significantly reducing symptom severity for both MDD and FM. Such a comprehensive approach will result in a much-improved quality of life. MedLine content was searched via PubMed to identify eligible articles between 1995 and 2023 using search terms fibromyalgia, major depressive disorder, and treatment of depression in fibromyalgia, and the most current information is presented. In this primer for clinicians caring for FM patients, we describe clinically relevant pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management approaches for treating MDD in FM patients.

Effects of progressive intensity resistance training on the impact of fibromyalgia: protocol for a blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia guidelines indicate that exercise is critical in the management of fibromyalgia, and there is evidence that patients with fibromyalgia can perform resistance training at moderate and high intensities. However, despite the biological plausibility that progression of intensity provides greater benefit to individuals, no studies have compared different intensities (progressive versus constant intensities) of the same exercise in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of 24 sessions of resistance training (progressive vs. constant intensity) on impact of fibromyalgia, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, pain, walking ability, and musculoskeletal capacity.

METHODS

A protocol for a blinded randomized controlled trial. The sample will be randomized into three groups: group 1 (progressive intensity, experimental), group 2 (constant intensity, control A), and group 3 (walking, control B). Group 1 will perform resistance training at moderate intensity (50% of maximum dynamic strength), previously determined by the 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) test in the proposed exercises. The strength of each individual will be reassessed every 4 weeks (by 1-RM) and the intensity of each exercise will be positively adjusted by 20% of the value observed in kg (i.e., first month 50%; second month 70%; third month 90% of the maximum dynamic strength). Group 2 will perform the same procedure, but the intensity will be maintained at 50% of the maximum dynamic strength throughout the treatment (i.e., constant intensity from the first to the third month). Group 3 will perform a 40-minute treadmill walk at low intensity, defined by a walking speed corresponding to 60-70% of the maximum heart rate, which we will control with a heart rate monitor. All groups will receive a 45-minute pain education session prior to the exercise program, covering the pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic pain, strategies for coping with pain, avoiding hypervigilance, and deconstructing beliefs and myths about chronic pain.

DISCUSSION

The results of the present study may help health care professionals adjust the intensity of resistance training and thus plan the most effective intervention (progressive or constant intensity) to reduce the impact of fibromyalgia on patients' lives.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) ID: RBR-9pbq9fg, date of registration: October 06, 2022.

The effectiveness of aerobic exercise for pain management in patients with fibromyalgia

The effectiveness of exercise therapy is being increasingly studied in patients with fibromyalgia. The aim of our systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of different types of aerobic exercise programs for pain management in patients with fibromyalgia. The literature search was performed by two independent researchers in the PubMed, CINAHL and PEDro databases using various combinations of the following keywords: fibromyalgia, pain and aerobic exercise. Studies were eligible if they included adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia and examined the effectiveness of at least one aerobic exercise program on pain management. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were screened in full-text, nine of which were included in the systematic review. Overall, our results indicate that aerobic exercise is effective for pain management in patients with fibromyalgia. The results of the aerobic exercise programs were more effective for pain management than stretching exercises, but did not differ significantly from those of pilates, muscle strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques and stress management treatment. Additional high-quality studies are warranted to determine accurate clinical guidelines in terms of aerobic exercise programs for pain management in patients with fibromyalgia.

Non-pharmacological therapies in Fibromyalgia: New horizons for physicians, new hopes for patients

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterised by reduced quality of life and severe limitations in daily living activities. Considering the wide spectrum of symptoms and the ineffectiveness of a single pharmacological approach, the latest clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological therapies as both an alternative and a better-tolerated approach. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in the management of FM.

AIMS

Through a literature review, this paper aims to describe the different complementary therapies and investigate their potential sustainability and effectiveness on FM symptoms in the short and/or long term.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using broad search terms up to June 2022, to identify all types of study designs restricted to human subjects on non-pharmacological therapies in FM.

RESULTS

Recent evidence demonstrated that physical activity is the mainstay of therapeutic management, highlighting the relevance of walking as the best method of exercise in FM patients. Nevertheless, adherence to physical activity remains fraught with obstacles that could be overcome with a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of passive therapies. The effectiveness of passive non-pharmacological therapies remains however unproven in the long term. They can be therefore suggested as 'adjunct' or 'bridge' therapy to improve adherence to physical activity.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, FM management requires a multimodal and symptom-based approach, guided by the predominant bothersome symptom on the one hand, and the preferences of each patient on the other hand.

Can an Aerobic Exercise Programme Improve the Response of the Growth Hormone in Fibromyalgia Patients? A Randomised Controlled Trial

Downgrade alterations in the growth hormone (GH) might be involved in the development of some of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) symptoms. Our aim was to assess the effects of an aerobic exercise programme on the GH levels in patients with FMS. A randomised controlled trial was developed. Sixty-four Spanish women with FMS were randomly assigned to the experimental arm (n = 33) and treated with a 16-week group physical exercise programme based on low impact aerobic dance (three weekly sessions, one-hour each), or to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) control arm (n = 31). The primary outcome was the GH response to acute exercise. Secondary outcomes were GH basal, sensitivity to pain, body composition, aerobic capacity, and quality of life. The ANCOVA results showed a moderate effect of treatment improving the GH response to acute exercise. Other effects were substantial for aerobic capacity, quality of life, and body composition. Pre-intervention GH response to acute exercise was related to improvements in aerobic capacity and quality of life. An aerobic exercise programme may improve the response of the GH, aerobic capacity, body composition, and quality of life in women with FMS. The normalization of neuro-hormonal patterns involving the GH might be key for improving some FMS symptoms.

On the superiority of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise for fibromyalgia syndrome: A network meta-analysis

Background

Fibromyalgia syndrome is the second most common chronic diffuse pain disorder and can have a lasting negative impact on the quality of life, pain, and physical function of people. Exercise therapy is an important component of the treatment of fibromyalgia, but there was not a consensus understanding of the effect of various exercise programs on the quality of life, pain, and physical function of people with fibromyalgia syndrome. This study aimed to compare three exercise programs (aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise) in their effectiveness in improving quality of life, relieving muscle pain, and enhancing physical function in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

A comprehensive search of databases, including China National Knowledge Internet, Wan fang, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials on exercise therapy for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome with outcome indicators including at least one of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Tender point count (TPC), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) from the date of database creation on 20 April 2022. The included studies were evaluated for literature quality according to Cochrane Handbook criteria, and a network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0.

Result

Forty-five randomized controlled trials met all inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The network meta-analysis showed that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise was ranked first in all three dimensions of quality of life improvement, pain alleviation, and physical function enhancement (Mean Rank = 1.6, 1.2, 5.9).

Conclusion

The current meta-analysis demonstrates that the combination of aerobic and resistance exercise may be the best type of exercise to accentuate the quality of life, pain alleviation, and physical function for people with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Does physical activity level have an impact on long-term treatment response in temporomandibular disorders: protocol for a prospective study

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a disease characterized by pain and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint. Many factors have been found to be related to the disease however, the underlying mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated. Physical activity is widely known to modulate pain intensity in various pain disorders. However, literature suggesting the association between physical activity and signs and symptoms of TMD are limited.

Methods and design

The “Physical Activity in TMD (PAT)” is a prospective study on TMD patients that aims to determine how daily physical activity and sleep duration affect long-term TMD prognosis following conventional treatment. To analyze such effects, objective data on daily physical activity levels will be collected along with clinical indices including mouth opening ranges and masticatory muscle palpation responses from adult Koreans diagnosed with TMD following standardized diagnostic procedures. Well-known comorbidities of TMD will be extensively evaluated based on validated structured questionnaires on sleep quality, fatigue level, widespread pain, psychological status including depression and anxiety, autonomic symptoms, and health-related quality of life. The collected data will be analyzed according to TMD pain severity and physical activity level, and correlations among physical activity indices and long-term TMD prognosis will be investigated.

Discussion

In this longitudinal prospective study of adult Koreans diagnosed with TMD following standardized diagnostic procedures, primary outcomes include physical activity levels and long-term TMD clinical outcomes and secondary outcomes include disability from pain and related comorbidity levels. Results and analysis are ongoing. The results of this study will provide reliable data for future research and establish clinical guidelines that will allow cause-related, patient-tailored personalized medicine for TMD.

Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (Registration number: KCT0007107). Registered March 22 2022 https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?search_lang=E&focus=reset_12&search_page=M&pageSize=10&page=undefined&seq=21420&status=5&seq_group=21420.

The role of physiotherapy in fibromyalgia: Current and future perspectives

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia, commonly associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression. The clinical manifestations of this rheumatic disease have significant psychosocial and economic repercussions, with a substantial impact on health status, quality of life and social activities. Currently, recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia include patient education and non-pharmacological interventions, and among the indicated treatments, clinical guidelines include several physiotherapeutic resources, essential for individuals affected by this syndrome. Research in the physiotherapy field has demonstrated its effectiveness, but there is a need to update the literature. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the treatment of individuals with fibromyalgia. We performed a literature review looking for articles dated from March 2012 to March 2022 using the terms “fibromyalgia”, “physiotherapy”, “physical therapy”, “rehabilitation” in different languages in various databases and their main information was read and collected and presented in a descriptive way. The effects of physiotherapy interventions are summarized in order to provide a reference for future research and clinical application. Research on non-pharmacological physiotherapy-oriented treatments has grown in recent years as an alternative for fibromyalgia treatment. This review allows fibromyalgia patients to receive appropriate physical therapy interventions to promote their health.

Effects of different types of exercises on pain, quality of life, depression, and body composition in women with fibromyalgia: A three-arm, parallel-group, randomized trial

Objectives

This study aims to compare the efficacy of three different exercise types on pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and body composition in women with fibromyalgia (FM).

Patients and methods

Between June 2019 and December 2019, a total of 41 women with FM (mean age: 46.7+9.4 years; range, 24 to 62 years) were randomly allocated into Group 1 (n=13, supervised aerobic plus stretching), Group 2 (n=13, supervised resistance plus stretching), and Group 3 (n=15, home-based stretching). All exercises were performed three times per week for 12 weeks and were individualized by measuring the maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) for aerobic exercise and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test for resistance exercise. The main measures were pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), severity by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), symptoms of depression by the Beck Depression Inventory, HRQoL by the Short-Form Health Questionnaire (SF-36), and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

The mean VAS difference (95% confidence interval [CI]): -2.61 (-1.94, -3.29); -2.61 (-1.82, -3.42); -1.07 (-0.49, -1.64) for Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively (p<0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the combined exercise groups. The FIQ scores decreased significantly in all exercise groups after training (p<0.05). At 12 weeks, 21 (80.8%) patients from combined groups and six (40%) patients from the stretching alone group achieved a minimal clinically significant difference defined as a 14% change in baseline FIQ scores (p=0.008). Other outcome parameters did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusion

Supervised aerobics/muscle strengthening combined with stretching exercises reduced pain, and FM severity more than a home stretching exercise alone.

Chronic Pain in Musculoskeletal Diseases: Do You Know Your Enemy?

Musculoskeletal pain is a condition that characterises several diseases and represents a constantly growing issue with enormous socio-economic burdens, highlighting the importance of developing treatment algorithms appropriate to the patient’s needs and effective management strategies. Indeed, the algic condition must be assessed and treated independently of the underlying pathological process since it has an extremely negative impact on the emotional and psychic aspects of the individual, leading to isolation and depression. A full understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in nociceptive stimulation and central sensitization is an important step in improving approaches to musculoskeletal pain. In this context, the bidirectional relationship between immune cells and neurons involved in nociception could represent a key point in the understanding of these mechanisms. Therefore, we provide an updated overview of the magnitude of the musculoskeletal pain problem, in terms of prevalence and costs, and summarise the role of the most important molecular players involved in the development and maintenance of pain. Finally, based on the pathophysiological mechanisms, we propose a model, called the “musculoskeletal pain cycle”, which could be a useful tool to counteract resignation to the algic condition and provide a starting point for developing a treatment algorithm for the patient with musculoskeletal pain.

Disentangling Diagnosis and Management of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread pain accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disorder. The pathophysiology of FM has been unclear, leading to inconsistent diagnosis and ineffective management. Several diagnostic criteria for FM have been proposed in recent years, including the revised 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, the criteria of the ACTTION-American Pain Society Pain Taxonomy (AAPT) group, and the modified 2019 Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) criteria. Despite the appearance of newer criteria for FM diagnosis, the 2016 ACR criteria demonstrate the best performance. Many randomized controlled studies and systematic reviews have shown the therapeutic efficacies of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of FM. Nevertheless, further research is needed to develop better treatment options.

Perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family members on long-term opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Opioids are currently prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), and some patients use opioids continuously for long-term treatment. Stakeholders' awareness about long-term opioid therapy is essential for improving the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family caregivers about long-term opioid use in CNCP management.

METHODS

This study was a qualitative study and adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Pain specialists (n = 12), patients (n = 14), and family members (n = 9) were recruited to the study by purposive sampling at the Pain Clinic of Ramathibodi Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, verbatim transcribed, conceptually coded, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 8.0.

RESULTS

All groups of participants described opioids as non-first-line drugs for pain management. Opioids should be prescribed only for severe pain, when non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological therapies are not effective. Patients reported that the benefits of opioids were for pain relief, while physicians and most family members highlighted that opioid use should improve functional outcomes. Physicians and family members expressed concerns about opioid-related side effects, harm, and adverse events, while patients did not. Patients confirmed that they would continue using opioids for pain management under supervision. However, physicians stated that they would taper off or discontinue opioid therapy if patients' pain relief or functional improvement was not achieved. Both patients and family members were willing to consider non-pharmacological therapies if potential benefits existed. Patient education, doctor-patient/family relationships, and opioid prescription policies were proposed to enhance CNCP management.

CONCLUSION

Long-term opioid therapy for CNCP may be beneficial in patients who have established realistic treatment goals (for both pain relief and functional improvement) with their physicians. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the risks and benefits, adverse events, and drug-related aberrant behaviors are necessary. Integrated multimodal multidisciplinary therapies and family member collaborations are also important for improving CNCP management.

Analysis of Compliance with Time under Tension and Force during Strengthening Exercises with Elastic Bands

Quantifying training variables of a physical exercise modality is essential for an appropriate dosage. In training with elastic bands, time under tension (TUT) and force represent the duration and intensity of this force-training modality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the degree of compliance to TUT prescription for three different scenarios of two exercises and the comparison of the force values obtained versus the estimate values. A total of 29 healthy volunteers were evaluated in a clinical environment under controlled conditions in 3 different scenarios (different velocities or ROMs) of both shoulder abduction and knee extension in 2 sets of 10 repetitions per scenario within a single session. Concentric and isometric phases showed a higher degree of compliance for their TUTs than the eccentric phase TUTs for all scenarios of both exercises, whereas the degree of compliance was higher for the total TUT than for the phases’ TUTs. Additionally, the eccentric phase showed a general tendency to develop for longer time periods than prescribed, whilst the fast scenario showed a higher degree of compliance for isometric phase TUTs and total TUTs than the extant two scenarios in both exercises. On the other hand, the force of the elastic bands tends to be overestimated according to the estimates of the manufacturers. These findings, both those related to the degree of compliance with TUTs and the force analysis, can be used by physiotherapists and other exercise professionals as a reference to achieve a good dosage of routine exercises with elastic bands.

Effects of Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Pain, Flexibility, Balance and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Background: The functional deficits in people with fibromyalgia can be related to the level of physical activity performed. This study investigated the effectiveness of an active exercise programme versus exercise for well-being improving pain, flexibility, static balance, perceived exertion and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia; Methods: A randomised, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled and randomised to an active exercise program group (n = 47), where they performed physical active exercises, an exercise for well-being group (n = 47), which performed the Qi Gong exercises named ‘the twenty Wang Ziping figures for health and longevity’, and a control group (n = 47), which did not receive any intervention, for a period of 4 weeks. Measures were taken at baseline and after the treatment. The primary outcome measures were static balance and centre of gravity (Wii-Fit Nintendo ©), flexibility (test de Wells and Dillon), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Spanish-Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). The secondary outcome measure was the perceived exertion during activity (BORG Scale). Results: In total, 93 participants completed the study. The mean value of the age was 52.24 ± 6.19. The post intervention results showed statistically significant improvements in the exercise for well-being and the active exercise programme groups vs. the control group in relation to pain (p = 0.006 active exercise programme group, p = 0.001 exercise for well-being group), static balance (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group) and quality of life (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group, p = 0.002 exercise for well-being group). In addition, the mean scores related to perceived fatigue during the sessions were 6.30 ± 1.88 for the active exercise programme group and 5.52 ± 1.55 for the exercise for well-being group. These differences were not significant. Conclusions: The active exercise program and exercise for well-being improved flexibility, static balance, pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. The participants of the active exercise programme achieved better results that those of the exercise for well-being.

The Role of Pain Catastrophizing and Pain Acceptance in Performance-Based and Self-Reported Physical Functioning in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Obesity

Impaired physical functioning is one of the most critical consequences associated with fibromyalgia, especially when there is comorbid obesity. Psychological factors are known to contribute to perceived (i.e., subjective) physical functioning. However, physical function is a multidimensional concept encompassing both subjective and objective functioning. The contribution of psychological factors to performance-based (i.e., objective) functioning is unclear. This study aims to investigate the contribution of pain catastrophizing and pain acceptance to both self-reported and performance-based physical functioning. In this cross-sectional study, 160 participants completed self-report measures of pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, and pain severity. A self-report measure and a performance-based test were used to assess physical functioning. Higher pain catastrophizing and lower pain acceptance were associated with poorer physical functioning at both self-reported and performance-based levels. Our results are consistent with previous evidence on the association between pain catastrophizing and pain acceptance with self-reported physical functioning. This study contributes to the current literature by providing novel insights into the role of psychological factors in performance-based physical functioning. Multidisciplinary interventions that address pain catastrophizing and pain acceptance are recommended and might be effective to improve both perceived and performance-based functioning in women with FM and obesity.

Efficiency of an Optimized Care Organization in Fibromyalgia Patients: The From Intent to Move (FIMOUV) Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by multiple symptoms including pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders, altering patient's quality of life. In the absence of effective pharmacological therapy, the last European guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary management based on exercise and education. Thus, our main objective was to measure the effectiveness of a healthcare organization offering a specific program of adapted physical activity combined with a therapeutic education program for FM patients.

Methods and Analysis: The From Intent To Move (FIMOUV) study will recruit 330 FM patients randomized into two groups: test and control. The test group will benefit from a 1-month mixed exercise training program supervised at the hospital, followed by 2 months in a community-based relay in a health-sport structure. In addition, each of the two groups will benefit from therapeutic patient education sessions. The main endpoint is the measurement of the level of physical activity by accelerometry at 1 year. The secondary endpoints concern adherence to the practice of physical activity, impact on lifestyle, state of health, and physical capacity, as well as an estimate of the budgetary impact of this management strategy.

Discussion: This interventional research will allow us to assess the evolution of behaviors in physical activity after an FM syndrome management based solely on patient education or based on a supervised and adapted practice of physical activity associated with this same therapeutic education program. It seems to be the first study evaluating the impact of its intervention on objective data for measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior via accelerometry among FM patients.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948.

Exercise Reduces Pain and Deleterious Histological Effects in Fibromyalgia-like Model

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and associated comorbidities such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. There is a large amount of evidence regarding the benefits of physical exercise in controlling chronic pain. However, there is no consensus on which exercise modality is most suitable and the real benefits of this intervention to treat FM symptoms. The present study investigated the analgesic and antidepressant effects and morphophysiological responses induced by different physical exercise (aerobic and strength protocols) during the experimental model of FM. Spontaneous pain, mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal allodynia, depression-related behavior, and locomotor activity were evaluated weekly, as well as the morphological evaluation of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion. Aerobic and strength training protocols consistently abolished nociceptive behaviors, reducing spontaneous pain scores, cold allodynia, and frequency of response to mechanical hyperalgesia. The strength exercise modulated the depressive-like behavior. Finally, our data demonstrated that physical exercise performed for two weeks increased the number of glial cells in the dorsal root horn. However, it was not sufficient to control the other deleterious effects of the reserpine model on the spinal cord and the dorsal root. Together, these results demonstrated that different physical exercise modalities, when performed regularly in mice, proved to be effective and safe non-pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of FM. However, some gaps have yet to be studied regarding the neuroadaptive effects of physical exercise.

Impact of isometric and concentric resistance exercise on pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the local and systemic effects of isometric and concentric muscle contractions on experimental pain and performance fatigability in people with and without fibromyalgia.

METHODS

Forty-seven fibromyalgia (FM: 51.3 ± 12.3 year) and 47 control (CON: 52.5 ± 14.7 year) participants performed submaximal isometric and concentric exercise for 10 min with the right elbow flexors. Assessments before and after exercise included pressure pain thresholds (PPT) of the biceps and quadriceps, central pain summation, self-reported exercising arm and whole-body pain, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the right elbow flexors and left handgrip.

RESULTS

People with FM experienced greater reductions in local fatigue (right elbow flexor MVIC: CON: - 4.0 ± 6.7%, FM: - 9.8 ± 13.8%; p = 0.013) and similar reductions in systemic fatigue (left handgrip MVIC: - 6.5 ± 10.2%; p < 0.001) as CON participants, which were not different by contraction type nor related to baseline clinical pain, perceived fatigue, or reported pain with exercise. Following exercise both groups reported an increase in PPTs at the biceps (pre: 205.5 ± 100.3 kPa, post: 219.0 ± 109.3 kPa, p = 0.004) only and a decrease in central pain summation (pre: 6.8 ± 2.9, post: 6.5 ± 2.9; p = 0.013). FM reported greater exercising arm pain following exercise (CON: 0.7 ± 1.3, FM: 2.9 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), and both groups reported greater arm pain following concentric (isometric: 1.4 ± 2.0, concentric: 2.2 ± 2.9; p = 0.001) than isometric exercise. Neither group reported an increase in whole-body pain following exercise.

CONCLUSION

People with FM experienced greater performance fatigability in the exercising muscle compared to CON that was not related to central mechanisms of fatigue or pain. These results suggest changes in performance fatigability in FM may be due to differences occurring at the muscular level. TRIAL REGISTRATION #: NCT #: NCT03778385, December 19, 2018, retrospectively registered. IRB#: HR-3035.

The acceptability of primary care or community-based behavioural interventions for persistent physical symptoms: Qualitative systematic review

PURPOSE

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are often associated with profound physical disability and psychological distress. Interventions for PPS that promote behavioural change aim to reduce levels of symptoms and improve overall functioning in patients. The evidence for these interventions is mixed, with effective relationships between patients and health practitioners (HPs) reported as the key to the success of primary care interventions. The objectives of this systematic review were to synthesize the qualitative evidence and to evaluate the acceptability of behavioural interventions for PPS in primary care, from the perspective of both patients and HPs.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in seven major electronic bibliographic databases, to February 2019. The aim was to identify a broad range of literature including, qualitative research, mixed methods research, and qualitative data embedded in trial reports or process evaluations. Fifty-eight full papers were screened against the inclusion criteria. Nine studies were included and quality-assessed. A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Some patients and HPs reported positive gains from taking part in or delivering interventions, with appropriate support and explanation of their symptoms important for patients. Barriers appeared to be underpinned by the relationship between the patients and HPs, and by beliefs and attitudes held by both parties.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients should be provided with adequate information to make an informed decision about whether an intervention is appropriate for them, and interventions should not end suddenly or without adequate follow-up. HPs should receive training and supervision to address their lack of confidence, and improve their knowledge of PPS.

[Chondroitin sulfate role in the complex rehabilitation of elderly people with chronic pain syndrome]

The article presents the data of the latest domestic and foreign original studies, the results of a number of meta-analyses, conclusions of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and other scientific studies that prove the effectiveness and necessity of mandatory inclusion in the treatment of chronic pain syndrome of the stage of non-invasive non-pharmacological therapy. One of the promising areas of pharmacotherapy for degenerative-dystrophic joint lesions is the use of chondroprotectors (CP), in particular chondroitin sulfate (CS). According to new Clinical Recommendations of Ministry Health (MH) of the Russian Federation (RF) «Chronic pain in patients of elderly and senile age» (2020), according to which the purpose of CS is recommended for patients older than 60 years with joint pain and contraindications to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or senile asthenia for the purpose of pain relief and the prevention of exacerbations of pain. A high level of reliability and persuasiveness of the recommendations was noted (1A) of CS use. Most of the CS is available in the form of forms for oral use, the bioavailability of which, according to clinical studies, is 13-38% due to the destruction of the CS molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Intramuscular (i/m) administration of the drug can increase the bioavailability of CS, which can not only increase the effectiveness of therapy, but also lead to a more rapid development of the symptomatic effect. In Russia available parenteral forms of CS (Chondroguard) pharmaceutical quality, efficacy has been proven in randomized clinical trial (RCT) MH RF. To relieve pain in the joints, it is recommended to use parenteral forms of CS (Chondroguard) at a dose of 100-200 mg per day, every other day, the total duration of the course of treatment is 25-30 injections.

Regular physical activity reduces the percentage of spinally projecting neurons that express mu-opioid receptors from the rostral ventromedial medulla in mice

Introduction

Regular physical activity/exercise is an effective nonpharmacological treatment for individuals with chronic pain. Central inhibitory mechanisms, involving serotonin and opioids, are critical to analgesia produced by regular physical activity. The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) sends projections to the spinal cord to inhibit or facilitate nociceptive neurons and plays a key role in exercise-induced analgesia.

Objective

The goal of these studies was to examine if regular physical activity modifies RVM-spinal cord circuitry.

Methods

Male and female mice received Fluoro-Gold placed on the spinal cord to identify spinally projecting neurons from the RVM and the nucleus raphe obscurus/nucleus raphe pallidus, dermorphin-488 into caudal medulla to identify mu-opioid receptors, and were immunohistochemically stained for either phosphorylated-N-methyl-d-aspartate subunit NR1 (p-NR1) to identify excitatory neurons or tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) to identify serotonin neurons. The percentage of dermorphin-488-positive cells that stained for p-NR1 (or TPH), and the percentage of dermorphin-488-positive cells that stained for p-NR1 (or TPH) and Fluoro-Gold was calculated. Physically active animals were provided running wheels in their cages for 8 weeks and compared to sedentary animals without running wheels. Animals with chronic muscle pain, induced by 2 intramuscular injections of pH 4.0, were compared to sham controls (pH 7.2).

Results

Physically active animals had less mu-opioid-expressing neurons projecting to the spinal cord when compared to sedentary animals in the RVM, but not the nucleus raphe obscurus/nucleus raphe pallidus. No changes were observed for TPH.

Conclusions

These data suggest that regular exercise alters central facilitation so that there is less descending facilitation to result in a net increase in inhibition.

Exercise/physical activity and health outcomes: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. It has been estimated that approximately 3.2 million deaths each year are attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity. We evaluated the available evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on the effectiveness of exercise/physical activity for various health outcomes.

METHODS

Overview and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Library was searched from 01.01.2000 to issue 1, 2019. No language restrictions were imposed. Only CSRs of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Both healthy individuals, those at risk of a disease, and medically compromised patients of any age and gender were eligible. We evaluated any type of exercise or physical activity interventions; against any types of controls; and measuring any type of health-related outcome measures. The AMSTAR-2 tool for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies was utilised.

RESULTS

Hundred and fifty CSRs met the inclusion criteria. There were 54 different conditions. Majority of CSRs were of high methodological quality. Hundred and thirty CSRs employed meta-analytic techniques and 20 did not. Limitations for studies were the most common reasons for downgrading the quality of the evidence. Based on 10 CSRs and 187 RCTs with 27,671 participants, there was a 13% reduction in mortality rates risk ratio (RR) 0.87 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.78 to 0.96]; I2 = 26.6%, [prediction interval (PI) 0.70, 1.07], median effect size (MES) = 0.93 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.81, 1.00]. Data from 15 CSRs and 408 RCTs with 32,984 participants showed a small improvement in quality of life (QOL) standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.18 [95% CI 0.08, 0.28]; I2 = 74.3%; PI -0.18, 0.53], MES = 0.20 [IQR 0.07, 0.39]. Subgroup analyses by the type of condition showed that the magnitude of effect size was the largest among patients with mental health conditions.

CONCLUSION

There is a plethora of CSRs evaluating the effectiveness of physical activity/exercise. The evidence suggests that physical activity/exercise reduces mortality rates and improves QOL with minimal or no safety concerns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in PROSPERO ( CRD42019120295 ) on 10th January 2019.

Behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary care: systematic reviews and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

The term 'medically unexplained symptoms' is used to cover a wide range of persistent bodily complaints for which adequate examination and appropriate investigations do not reveal sufficiently explanatory structural or other specified pathologies. A wide range of interventions may be delivered to patients presenting with medically unexplained symptoms in primary care. Many of these therapies aim to change the behaviours of the individual who may have worsening symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

An evidence synthesis to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms delivered in primary care settings was undertaken. Barriers to and facilitators of the effectiveness and acceptability of these interventions from the perspective of patients and service providers were evaluated through qualitative review and realist synthesis.

DATA SOURCES

Full search strategies were developed to identify relevant literature. Eleven electronic sources were searched. Eligibility criteria - for the review of clinical effectiveness, randomised controlled trials were sought. For the qualitative review, UK studies of any design were included. For the cost-effectiveness review, papers were restricted to UK studies reporting outcomes as quality-adjusted life-year gains. Clinical searches were conducted in November 2015 and December 2015, qualitative searches were conducted in July 2016 and economic searches were conducted in August 2016. The databases searched included MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and EMBASE. Updated searches were conducted in February 2019 and March 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult participants meeting the criteria for medically unexplained symptoms, including somatoform disorders, chronic unexplained pain and functional somatic syndromes.

INTERVENTIONS

Behavioural interventions were categorised into types. These included psychotherapies, exercise-based interventions, multimodal therapies (consisting of more than one intervention type), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support, guided self-help and general practitioner interventions, such as reattribution. Evidence synthesis: a network meta-analysis was conducted to allow a simultaneous comparison of all evaluated interventions in a single coherent analysis. Separate network meta-analyses were performed at three time points: end of treatment, short-term follow-up (< 6 months since the end of treatment) and long-term follow-up (≥ 6 months after the end of treatment). Outcomes included physical and psychological symptoms, physical functioning and impact of the illness on daily activities. Economic evaluation: within-trial estimates of cost-effectiveness were generated for the subset of studies where utility values (or quality-adjusted life-years) were reported or where these could be estimated by mapping from Short Form questionnaire-36 items or Short Form questionnaire-12 items outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine studies involving 9077 patients were included in the clinical effectiveness review. There was a large degree of heterogeneity both between and within intervention types, and the networks were sparse across all outcomes. At the end of treatment, behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects when compared with usual care, in particular for improvement of specific physical symptoms [(1) pain: high-intensity cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBTHI) standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.54 [95% credible interval (CrI) 0.28 to 0.84], multimodal SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.19 to 0.89); and (2) fatigue: low-intensity cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBTLI) SMD 0.72 (95% CrI 0.27 to 1.21), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.87 (95% CrI 0.20 to 1.55), graded activity SMD 0.51 (95% CrI 0.14 to 0.93), multimodal SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.14 to 0.92)] and psychological outcomes [(1) anxiety CBTHI SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.06 to 0.96); (2) depression CBTHI SMD 0.80 (95% CrI 0.26 to 1.38); and (3) emotional distress other psychotherapy SMD 0.58 (95% CrI 0.05 to 1.13), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.66 (95% CrI 0.18 to 1.28) and sport/exercise SMD 0.49 (95% CrI 0.03 to 1.01)]. At short-term follow-up, behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects for specific physical symptoms [(1) pain: CBTHI SMD 0.73 (95% CrI 0.10 to 1.39); (2) fatigue: CBTLI SMD 0.62 (95% CrI 0.11 to 1.14), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.51 (95% CrI 0.06 to 1.00)] and psychological outcomes [(1) anxiety: CBTHI SMD 0.74 (95% CrI 0.14 to 1.34); (2) depression: CBTHI SMD 0.93 (95% CrI 0.37 to 1.52); and (3) emotional distress: relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.82 (95% CrI 0.02 to 1.65), multimodal SMD 0.43 (95% CrI 0.04 to 0.91)]. For physical functioning, only multimodal therapy showed beneficial effects: end-of-treatment SMD 0.33 (95% CrI 0.09 to 0.59); and short-term follow-up SMD 0.78 (95% CrI 0.23 to 1.40). For impact on daily activities, CBTHI was the only behavioural intervention to show beneficial effects [end-of-treatment SMD 1.30 (95% CrI 0.59 to 2.00); and short-term follow-up SMD 2.25 (95% CrI 1.34 to 3.16)]. Few effects remained at long-term follow-up. General practitioner interventions showed no significant beneficial effects for any outcome. No intervention group showed conclusive beneficial effects for measures of symptom load (somatisation). A large degree of heterogeneity was found across individual studies in the assessment of cost-effectiveness. Several studies suggested that the interventions produce fewer quality-adjusted life-years than usual care. For those interventions that generated quality-adjusted life-year gains, the mid-point incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranged from £1397 to £129,267, but, where the mid-point ICER fell below £30,000, the exploratory assessment of uncertainty suggested that it may be above £30,000.

LIMITATIONS

Sparse networks meant that it was not possible to conduct a metaregression to explain between-study differences in effects. Results were not consistent within intervention type, and there were considerable differences in characteristics between studies of the same type. There were moderate to high levels of statistical heterogeneity. Separate analyses were conducted for three time points and, therefore, analyses are not repeated-measures analyses and do not account for correlations between time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects for specific medically unexplained symptoms, but no one behavioural intervention was effective across all medically unexplained symptoms. There was little evidence that these interventions are effective for measures of symptom load (somatisation). General practitioner-led interventions were not shown to be effective. Considerable heterogeneity in interventions, populations and sparse networks mean that results should be interpreted with caution. The relationship between patient and service provider is perceived to play a key role in facilitating a successful intervention. Future research should focus on testing the therapeutic effects of the general practitioner-patient relationship within trials of behavioural interventions, and explaining the observed between-study differences in effects within the same intervention type (e.g. with more detailed reporting of defined mechanisms of the interventions under study).

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015025520.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 46. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Opioid Use Is More Common in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients with Cirrhosis, Higher BMI, and Psychiatric Disease

BACKGROUND

Opioid use is a topic of growing concern among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Given safety concerns of opioids, proactively identifying subgroups of patients with an increased probability of opioid use may encourage practitioners to recommend alternative therapies for pain, thus reducing the likelihood of opioid misuse. This work assessed the prevalence and patient characteristics associated with opioid use in a real-world cohort of patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

TARGET-NASH, an observational study of participants at 55 academic and community sites in the United States, includes patients with NAFLD defined by pragmatic case definitions. Opioid use was defined as any documented opioid prescriptions in the year prior to enrollment. The association between patient characteristics and the odds of opioid use were modeled with stepwise multivariable logistic regression and tree ensemble methods (Classification and regression tree/Boosted Tree).

RESULTS

The cohort included 3,474 adult patients with NAFLD including 18.0% with documented opioid use. Variables associated with opioid use included presence of cirrhosis (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.98), BMI ≥32 kg/m2 (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.59), depression (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.50-2.33), and anxiety (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.27-1.98). In the boosted tree analysis, history of back pain, depression, and fibromyalgia had the greatest relative importance in predicting opioid use.

CONCLUSION

Prescription opioids were used in nearly 1 of 5 patients with NAFLD. Given the safety concerns of opioids in patients with NAFLD, alternative therapies including low-dose acetaminophen and nonpharmacologic treatments should be considered for these patients.

The association between daily physical exercise and pain among women with fibromyalgia: the moderating role of pain catastrophizing

Daily physical exercise is associated with more self-reported pain intensity in women with fibromyalgia pain, particularly among those with higher levels of pain catastrophizing.

Introduction:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition marked by widespread chronic pain and an array of somatic and psychological symptoms. The primary objective of this study was to explore daily associations between physical activity and pain intensity among a sample of women with FM and the potential moderation of this association by pain catastrophizing.

Methods:

Women with FM (N = 107) completed questionnaires assessing pain, FM symptoms, and psychological measures and were then asked to report their levels of daily pain catastrophizing, physical activity, and pain intensity once per day for a period of 1 week using daily electronic diary-based tracking. In addition, objective measures of physical activity were collected using an activity tracker (Fitbit Flex), which measured step counts. Daily self-report physical activity was used as the independent variable and pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory) was the outcome, whereas daily pain catastrophizing was tested in the model as the potential moderator.

Results:

Moderation analyses demonstrated associations between physical activity and pain intensity, which were moderated by patient's level of catastrophizing (B = 0.003, SE = 0.001, P < 0.05), with patients scoring higher in daily catastrophizing showing a relatively stronger link between higher day-to-day physical activity and increased daily FM pain. Significant associations were observed between pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and Fitbit Flex step count (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that increases in daily physical activity is associated with more self-reported pain intensity in women with FM pain, particularly among those with higher levels of pain catastrophizing.

Implementation of a community-based, physiotherapy-led, multidisciplinary model of care for the management of knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

There is a gap between the care people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) should receive according to evidence-based guidelines and the care they do receive. This feasibility study aims to test the feasibility of developing and implementing a codesigned, physiotherapy-led, multidisciplinary, evidence-based model of care for knee OA, among community physiotherapy practices in Australia, where community practice is defined as a professional physiotherapy business that is not controlled or paid for by the government.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A mixed-methods quasi-experimental (pre/postintervention) study. In the preintervention phase, all consented physiotherapists working in nine metropolitan-based, community physiotherapy practices, and 26 patients with knee OA will be recruited. Patients will be recruited from all practices by the physiotherapists, using the outlined inclusion/exclusion criteria. An audit of physiotherapy treatment notes will occur using a proforma, to gain an understanding of current community physiotherapy treatment and documentation. Patient and physiotherapist interviews will be conducted to determine current practice for the management of knee OA. A codesign phase will follow, where a model of care will be developed by researchers, patients, clinical staff, members of the public and other stakeholders, based on current guidelines for conservative management of knee OA. In the postintervention phase, a further 26 patients will be recruited, and the assessment process repeated to determine whether there is a change in practice. The feasibility outcome measures are: (1) number of patients who are recorded as receiving care according to current evidence-based guidelines; (2) number of patients who have patient-reported outcomes incorporated into their assessment and management plan; and (3) acceptability of the developed model to patients and physiotherapists. The clinical outcomes will include assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (pain, function, etc) in the preintervention and postintervention phases (baseline and 12 weeks) to assess trends towards change in participant symptoms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of New South Wales human ethics committee (approval number HC180864, approval period 6 February 2019 to 5 February 2024). The preintervention stage of this study is complete. The next stage is to implement the intervention and compare outcomes between the preintervention and postintervention phases. The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The preintervention phase of the study is retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registration number: ACTRN12620000188932. The intervention and postintervention phase of the study is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registration number: ACTRN12620000218998.

Mat Pilates is as effective as aquatic aerobic exercise in treating women with fibromyalgia: a clinical, randomized and blind trial

Background

The mat Pilates method is the therapeutic modalities which can be used in fibromyalgia treatment. Although there are no well-designed studies that prove the effectiveness of the mat Pilates method in this population. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mat Pilates method for improving symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.

Methods

A single blind randomized controlled trial in which 42 women with fibromyalgia were randomized into two groups: mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercise. The exercises were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Two evaluations were performed: one at baseline (T0), and another at 12 weeks after randomization (T12). The primary outcome was pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were function (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), quality of life (Short Form 36 [SF-36]), fear avoidance (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire [FABQ-BR]) and pain catastrophizing (Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale [PRCTS]).

Results

There was improvement in both groups in relation to pain and function (p < 0.05). The aspects related to quality of life and the FABQ questionnaire only showed improvement in the mat Pilates group (p < 0.05). There was improvement in the PSQI and PRCTS variables only in the aquatic aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between the groups for any of the evaluated variables.

Conclusion

Significant improvements were observed in the two groups in relation to the disease symptoms, and no differences were observed between mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercise in any of the measured variables.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT03149198), May 11, 2017. Approved by the Ethics Committee of FACISA/UFRN (Number: 2.116.314).

Effect of Exergame Training and Detraining on Lower-Body Strength, Agility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women with Fibromyalgia: Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 24 week exergame intervention and 24 weeks of detraining on lower-limb strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with fibromyalgia (FM). It was performed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of 55 women with FM. University facilities were used. The 24 week exergame intervention was focused on mobility, postural control, upper- and lower-limb coordination, aerobic fitness, and strength. Participants performed 120 min of exergaming per week, which was divided into two sessions. Twenty-four weeks after the end of the intervention, participants were re-evaluated. A chair–stand test, 10 step stair test, and six-minute walk test were conducted to assess lower-body strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, respectively. The exergame intervention significantly improved lower-limb strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no significant effects on agility were observed. After the detraining period, lower-limb strength and agility returned to their baseline level, but improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were sustained over time. Exergaming was therefore shown to be beneficial for physical fitness in people with FM. However, exergames had to be played regularly to maintain the benefits. This long-term intervention (24 weeks) may have changed the lifestyle of women with FM, which could explain why cardiorespiratory fitness improvements remained after the detraining period. Future research should focus on lifestyle changes after long-term interventions.

Quality of life in primary care patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms

PURPOSE

Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) have a large impact on patient's quality of life. Most studies have been limited to chronic MUPS and thus, little is known about moderate MUPS. Improved knowledge concerning determinants influencing quality of life in moderate MUPS patients can be helpful in managing MUPS. This study is aimed at describing the common characteristics seen in moderate MUPS patients and compare them with characteristics seen in chronic MUPS patients and general population. We also identified determinants of the physical and mental components of quality of life in moderate MUPS patients.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, moderate MUPS patients (n = 160) were compared with chronic MUPS patients (n = 162) and general population (n = 1742) based on demographic characteristics and patient's quality of life. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify determinants associated with a patient's quality of life, assessed with the RAND-36.

RESULTS

Moderate MUPS patients experienced a better quality of life than chronic MUPS patients, but a worse quality of life as compared to the general population. Determinants associated with the physical and mental components of quality of life explain 49.1% and 62.9% of the variance, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life of patients with MUPS varies with MUPS disease stage. Based on their quality of life scores, moderate MUPS patients would be adequately distinguished from chronic MUPS patients. Half of the variance in the physical component and almost two thirds of the mental component would be explained by a number of MUPS-related symptoms and perceptions.

Optimised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for fibromyalgia-targeting the endogenous pain control system: a randomised, double-blind, factorial clinical trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. Medications have low efficacy and are often associated with adverse effects. Given that FM is associated with a defective endogenous pain control system and central sensitisation, combining interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and aerobic exercise (AE) to modulate pain-processing circuits may enhance pain control.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, randomised (1:1:1:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind, factorial clinical trial will test the hypothesis that optimised tDCS (16 anodal tDCS sessions combined with AE) can restore of the pain endogenous control system. Participants with FM (n=148) will undergo a conditioning exercise period and be randomly allocated to one of four groups: (1) active tDCS and AE, (2) sham tDCS and AE, (3) active tDCS and non-aerobic exercise (nAE) or (4) sham tDCS and nAE. Pain inhibitory activity will be assessed using conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal slow pain summation (TSPS)-primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include the following assessments: Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography as cortical markers of pain inhibitory control and thalamocortical circuits; secondary clinical outcomes on pain, FM, quality of life, sleep and depression. Finally, the relationship between the two main mechanistic targets in this study-CPM and TSPS-and changes in secondary clinical outcomes will be tested. The change in the primary efficacy endpoint, CPM and TSPS, from baseline to week 4 of stimulation will be tested with a mixed linear model and adjusted for important demographic variables.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study obeys the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Partners Healthcare under the protocol number 2017P002524. Informed consent will be obtained from participants. Study findings will be reported in conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03371225.

Flexibility exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Exercise training is commonly recommended for adults with fibromyalgia. We defined flexibility exercise training programs as those involving movements of a joint or a series of joints, through complete range of motion, thus targeting major muscle-tendon units. This review is one of a series of reviews updating the first review published in 2002.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of flexibility exercise training in adults with fibromyalgia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), Thesis and Dissertation Abstracts, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), and ClinicalTrials.gov up to December 2017, unrestricted by language, and we reviewed the reference lists of retrieved trials to identify potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized trials (RCTs) including adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia based on published criteria. Major outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain intensity, stiffness, fatigue, physical function, trial withdrawals, and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected articles for inclusion, extracted data, performed 'Risk of bias' assessments, and assessed the certainty of the body of evidence for major outcomes using the GRADE approach. All discrepancies were rechecked, and consensus was achieved by discussion.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 12 RCTs (743 people). Among these RCTs, flexibility exercise training was compared to an untreated control group, land-based aerobic training, resistance training, or other interventions (i.e. Tai Chi, Pilates, aquatic biodanza, friction massage, medications). Studies were at risk of selection, performance, and detection bias (due to lack of adequate randomization and allocation concealment, lack of participant or personnel blinding, and lack of blinding for self-reported outcomes). With the exception of withdrawals and adverse events, major outcomes were self-reported and were expressed on a 0-to-100 scale (lower values are best, negative mean differences (MDs) indicate improvement). We prioritized the findings of flexibility exercise training compared to land-based aerobic training and present them fully here.Very low-certainty evidence showed that compared with land-based aerobic training, flexibility exercise training (five trials with 266 participants) provides no clinically important benefits with regard to HRQoL, pain intensity, fatigue, stiffness, and physical function. Low-certainty evidence showed no difference between these groups for withdrawals at completion of the intervention (8 to 20 weeks).Mean HRQoL assessed on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) Total scale (0 to 100, higher scores indicating worse HRQoL) was 46 mm and 42 mm in the flexibility and aerobic groups, respectively (2 studies, 193 participants); absolute change was 4% worse (6% better to 14% worse), and relative change was 7.5% worse (10.5% better to 25.5% worse) in the flexibility group. Mean pain was 57 mm and 52 mm in the flexibility and aerobic groups, respectively (5 studies, 266 participants); absolute change was 5% worse (1% better to 11% worse), and relative change was 6.7% worse (2% better to 15.4% worse). Mean fatigue was 67 mm and 71 mm in the aerobic and flexibility groups, respectively (2 studies, 75 participants); absolute change was 4% better (13% better to 5% worse), and relative change was 6% better (19.4% better to 7.4% worse). Mean physical function was 23 points and 17 points in the flexibility and aerobic groups, respectively (1 study, 60 participants); absolute change was 6% worse (4% better to 16% worse), and relative change was 14% worse (9.1% better to 37.1% worse). We found very low-certainty evidence of an effect for stiffness. Mean stiffness was 49 mm to 79 mm in the flexibility and aerobic groups, respectively (1 study, 15 participants); absolute change was 30% better (8% better to 51% better), and relative change was 39% better (10% better to 68% better). We found no evidence of an effect in all-cause withdrawal between the flexibility and aerobic groups (5 studies, 301 participants). Absolute change was 1% fewer withdrawals in the flexibility group (8% fewer to 21% more), and relative change in the flexibility group compared to the aerobic training intervention group was 3% fewer (39% fewer to 55% more). It is uncertain whether flexibility leads to long-term effects (36 weeks after a 12-week intervention), as the evidence was of low certainty and was derived from a single trial.Very low-certainty evidence indicates uncertainty in the risk of adverse events for flexibility exercise training. One adverse effect was described among the 132 participants allocated to flexibility training. One participant had tendinitis of the Achilles tendon (McCain 1988), but it is unclear if the tendinitis was a pre-existing condition.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When compared with aerobic training, it is uncertain whether flexibility improves outcomes such as HRQoL, pain intensity, fatigue, stiffness, and physical function, as the certainty of the evidence is very low. Flexibility exercise training may lead to little or no difference for all-cause withdrawals. It is also uncertain whether flexibility exercise training has long-term effects due to the very low certainty of the evidence. We downgraded the evidence owing to the small number of trials and participants across trials, as well as due to issues related to unclear and high risk of bias (selection, performance, and detection biases). While flexibility exercise training appears to be well tolerated (similar withdrawal rates across groups), evidence on adverse events was scarce, therefore its safety is uncertain.

Opioid use and misuse: health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions

Objective: To provide a broad overview of the state of drug misuse research, particularly focusing on opioid drug use in the U.S.A. Design: An overview of published reviews of the literature. Results: Prescription opioid use has increased globally from 2008 to 2013, while use of opiates such as heroin and opium have remained stable in many countries, although, decreases have been observed in parts of Europe. Opioid misuse is highest in the United States; approximately 11.8 million Americans misused opioids in 2016. Demographic, genetic, psychosocial and structural/environmental factors all play a role in determining who will become an opioid misuser. Strategies such as increased prescribing of non-opioid derived pain relievers, expansion of medication treatment, distribution of naloxone for overdose reversal and supervised consumption sites are some of the solutions posed to reduce the spread and consequences of opioid misuse. Conclusion: Research focused on understanding of opioid neurobiology, as well as empirically based, effective alternatives to pain management and implementation studies on combined prevention and treatment approaches are needed. It will take the combined effort of community members, healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers in order to prevent and treat opioid misuse.

Mixed exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Exercise training is commonly recommended for individuals with fibromyalgia. This review is one of a series of reviews about exercise training for fibromyalgia that will replace the review titled "Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome", which was first published in 2002.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of mixed exercise training protocols that include two or more types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, flexibility) for adults with fibromyalgia against control (treatment as usual, wait list control), non exercise (e.g. biofeedback), or other exercise (e.g. mixed versus flexibility) interventions.Specific comparisons involving mixed exercise versus other exercises (e.g. resistance, aquatic, aerobic, flexibility, and whole body vibration exercises) were not assessed.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Thesis and Dissertations Abstracts, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), the Physiotherapy Evidence Databese (PEDro), Current Controlled Trials (to 2013), WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to December 2017, unrestricted by language, to identify all potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia that compared mixed exercise interventions with other or no exercise interventions. Major outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQL), pain, stiffness, fatigue, physical function, withdrawals, and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and the quality of evidence for major outcomes using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 29 RCTs (2088 participants; 98% female; average age 51 years) that compared mixed exercise interventions (including at least two of the following: aerobic or cardiorespiratory, resistance or muscle strengthening exercise, and flexibility exercise) versus control (e.g. wait list), non-exercise (e.g. biofeedback), and other exercise interventions. Design flaws across studies led to selection, performance, detection, and selective reporting biases. We prioritised the findings of mixed exercise compared to control and present them fully here.Twenty-one trials (1253 participants) provided moderate-quality evidence for all major outcomes but stiffness (low quality). With the exception of withdrawals and adverse events, major outcome measures were self-reported and expressed on a 0 to 100 scale (lower values are best, negative mean differences (MDs) indicate improvement; we used a clinically important difference between groups of 15% relative difference). Results for mixed exercise versus control show that mean HRQL was 56 and 49 in the control and exercise groups, respectively (13 studies; 610 participants) with absolute improvement of 7% (3% better to 11% better) and relative improvement of 12% (6% better to 18% better). Mean pain was 58.6 and 53 in the control and exercise groups, respectively (15 studies; 832 participants) with absolute improvement of 5% (1% better to 9% better) and relative improvement of 9% (3% better to 15% better). Mean fatigue was 72 and 59 points in the control and exercise groups, respectively (1 study; 493 participants) with absolute improvement of 13% (8% better to 18% better) and relative improvement of 18% (11% better to 24% better). Mean stiffness was 68 and 61 in the control and exercise groups, respectively (5 studies; 261 participants) with absolute improvement of 7% (1% better to 12% better) and relative improvement of 9% (1% better to 17% better). Mean physical function was 49 and 38 in the control and exercise groups, respectively (9 studies; 477 participants) with absolute improvement of 11% (7% better to 15% better) and relative improvement of 22% (14% better to 30% better). Pooled analysis resulted in a moderate-quality risk ratio for all-cause withdrawals with similar rates across groups (11 per 100 and 12 per 100 in the control and intervention groups, respectively) (19 studies; 1065 participants; risk ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.51) with an absolute change of 1% (3% fewer to 5% more) and a relative change of 11% (28% fewer to 47% more). Across all 21 studies, no injuries or other adverse events were reported; however some participants experienced increased fibromyalgia symptoms (pain, soreness, or tiredness) during or after exercise. However due to low event rates, we are uncertain of the precise risks with exercise. Mixed exercise may improve HRQL and physical function and may decrease pain and fatigue; all-cause withdrawal was similar across groups, and mixed exercises may slightly reduce stiffness. For fatigue, physical function, HRQL, and stiffness, we cannot rule in or out a clinically relevant change, as the confidence intervals include both clinically important and unimportant effects.We found very low-quality evidence on long-term effects. In eight trials, HRQL, fatigue, and physical function improvement persisted at 6 to 52 or more weeks post intervention but improvements in stiffness and pain did not persist. Withdrawals and adverse events were not measured.It is uncertain whether mixed versus other non-exercise or other exercise interventions improve HRQL and physical function or decrease symptoms because the quality of evidence was very low. The interventions were heterogeneous, and results were often based on small single studies. Adverse events with these interventions were not measured, and thus uncertainty surrounds the risk of adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to control, moderate-quality evidence indicates that mixed exercise probably improves HRQL, physical function, and fatigue, but this improvement may be small and clinically unimportant for some participants; physical function shows improvement in all participants. Withdrawal was similar across groups. Low-quality evidence suggests that mixed exercise may slightly improve stiffness. Very low-quality evidence indicates that we are 'uncertain' whether the long-term effects of mixed exercise are maintained for all outcomes; all-cause withdrawals and adverse events were not measured. Compared to other exercise or non-exercise interventions, we are uncertain about the effects of mixed exercise because we found only very low-quality evidence obtained from small, very heterogeneous trials. Although mixed exercise appears to be well tolerated (similar withdrawal rates across groups), evidence on adverse events is scarce, so we are uncertain about its safety. We downgraded the evidence from these trials due to imprecision (small trials), selection bias (e.g. allocation), blinding of participants and care providers or outcome assessors, and selective reporting.

Identifying Treatment Modalities for a Multidisciplinary and Blended Care Intervention for Patients With Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Qualitative Study Among Professionals

BACKGROUND

Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a substantial health problem in primary care with a high burden for patients, general practitioners, and the health care system. Most studies focus on chronic MUPS patients. Little research is conducted in patients with moderate MUPS, and an effective primary care intervention for prevention of chronic MUPS is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to identify treatment modalities based on expert opinions for the development of a multidisciplinary and blended intervention for patients with moderate MUPS to prevent chronicity.

METHODS

Two focus groups with 8 and 6 experts (general practitioners, physical therapists, psychologists, and mental health nurses) were carried out. The focus groups were structured using the nominal group technique.

RESULTS

A total of 70 ideas were generated from two nominal group meetings, and 37 of these got votes, were included in the rank order, and were sorted into 8 separate themes. According to the participants, the most important treatment modalities for a multidisciplinary and blended intervention in patients with moderate MUPS were (1) coaching to a healthier lifestyle, (2) education regarding psychosocial factors, (3) therapeutic neuroscience education, (4) multidisciplinary intake, (5) multidisciplinary cooperation and coordination, (6) relaxation or body awareness exercises, (7) clear communication by professionals to the patient, and (8) graded activity. Five independent researchers checked the ideas and linked them to themes to confirm the content analysis and check the validity of the themes.

CONCLUSIONS

From professional expert perspectives, 8 themes should be included in a multidisciplinary and blended intervention to prevent chronicity. These themes provide a first step in developing an intervention for patients with moderate MUPS. Future research should focus on further development steps in which patients with moderate MUPS should be involved to determine if the intervention matches their needs.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on the rehabilitation of painful shoulder following a stroke: protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial

Background

Shoulder pain is reported to be one of the major challenges faced in the functional recovery of patients in rehabilitation following a stroke. In such cases, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used as an additional therapeutic tool for improvements in central and peripheral pain. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the effect of tDCS when combined with upper limb physical therapy on pain intensity and functional improvement in stroke survivors with shoulder pain in the hemiplegic limb.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is proposed. The volunteers will be randomly allocated to receive passive movement on the upper limb, which will be performed by the therapist for 20 min followed by either active tDCS or sham tDCS (current stimulation for 30 s) during simultaneous physical activity of the upper limb (“mini-bike”) for 20 min, totaling 40 min of intervention performed in 10 consecutive sessions. The anode electrode will be positioned over the primary motor cortex with a current of 2 mA and the cathode electrode will be positioned in the supraorbital region contralateral to the anode. The primary outcome will be shoulder pain intensity, which will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) on three occasions: 1) pre-intervention; 2) after 10 interventions (5 weekly sessions, for 2 weeks); and 3) 30 days after the end of the interventions. The secondary outcomes will be motor performance, upper limb function, and quality of life.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-8F5MNY. Registered on June 2, 2017.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3266-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercises for women with fibromyalgia: a protocol for a randomised controlled blind study

INTRODUCTION

Physical exercises have been recommended to improve the overall well-being of patients with fibromyalgia, with the main objective of repairing the effects of lack of physical conditioning and of improving the symptoms, especially pain and fatigue. Although widely recommended and widely known, few studies support the use of Pilates as an effective method in improving the symptoms of the disease, comparing it with other well-founded exercise modalities. This protocol was developed to describe the design of a randomised controlled study with a blind evaluator that evaluates the effectiveness of mat Pilates, comparing it with aquatic aerobic exercises, in improving pain in women with fibromyalgia.

METHODS

Sixty women aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, with a score of between 3 and 8 points on the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, and who sign the clear and informed consent form will be recruited according to the inclusion criteria. They will be randomised into one of the two intervention groups: (1) Pilates, to perform an exercise programme based on mat Pilates; and (2) aquatic exercise, to participate in a programme of aerobic exercises in the swimming pool. The protocol will correspond to 12 weeks of treatment, with both groups performing the exercises with supervision twice a week. The primary outcome will be pain (Visual Analogue Scale for pain). The secondary outcomes are to include impact related to the disease, functional capacity, sleep quality and overall quality of life. The evaluations will be performed at three points: at baseline and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of FACISA/UFRN (number: 2.116.314). Data collection will begin after approval by the ethics committee. There will be prior contact with the women, at which time all the information about the study and the objectives will be presented, as well as resolution no 466/2012 of the National Health Council of Brazil for the year 2012, which provides guidelines and regulatory standards for research involving human beings. Participants must sign the informed consent form before the study begins.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03149198.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia: A meta-analysis of exercise dosing for the treatment of chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence purports exercise as a first-line therapeutic for the treatment of nearly all forms of chronic pain. However, knowledge of efficacious dosing respective to treatment modality and pain condition is virtually absent in the literature. The purpose of this analysis was to calculate the extent to which exercise treatment shows dose-dependent effects similar to what is seen with pharmacological treatments.

METHODS

A recently published comprehensive review of exercise and physical activity for chronic pain in adults was identified in May 2017. This report reviewed different physical activity and exercise interventions and their effectiveness in reducing pain severity and found overall modest effects of exercise in the treatment of pain. We analyzed this existing data set, focusing specifically on the dose of exercise intervention in these studies. We re-analyzed data from 75 studies looking at benefits of time of exercising per week, frequency of exercise per week, duration of intervention (in weeks), and estimated intensity of exercise.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed a significant positive correlation with exercise duration and analgesic effect on neck pain. Multiple linear regression modeling of these data predicted that increasing the frequency of exercise sessions per week is most likely to have a positive effect on chronic pain patients.

DISCUSSION

Modest effects were observed with one significant correlation between duration and pain effect for neck pain. Overall, these results provide insufficient evidence to conclude the presence of a strong dose effect of exercise in pain, but our modeling data provide tes predictions that can be used to design future studies to explicitly test the question of dose in specific patient populations.

Use of Physical Activity Monitors in Rheumatic Populations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of the recent research using physical activity monitors in rheumatic populations including those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research demonstrates increased use of physical activity monitors in these populations, especially in those with osteoarthritis. Results from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies highlight that physical activity levels are below recommended guidelines, yet evidence suggests benefits such as improving pain, fatigue, function, and overall well-being. While the use of physical activity monitors in rheumatic populations is increasing, more research is needed to better understand physical activity levels in these populations, the effects of activity on relevant clinical outcomes, and how monitors can be used to help more individuals reach physical activity guidelines.

Therapeutic validity of exercise interventions in the management of fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic validity of exercise interventions included in a previous umbrella systematic review of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the management of fibromyalgia and to explore whether exercise interventions with high therapeutic validity and that meet the 2013 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines are positively associated with greater pain relief.

METHODS

Therapeutic validity was evaluated based on the CONsensus on Therapeutic Exercise and Training (CONTENT) Scale, in high methodological quality RCTs found in the nine systematic reviews of a previous umbrella review on exercise interventions in the management of fibromyalgia. Additionally, adherence to the 2013 ACSM exercise recommendations for fibromyalgia was analyzed. The effect size for pain relief after the exercise programs was also considered.

RESULTS

The CONTENT mean total score was 4.42 out of 9, demonstrating generally low therapeutic validity of the 28 included RCTs. There was poor concordance between therapeutic validity and pain relief (Kappa values ranging between -0.6 to 0.57). Kappa statistic results showed poor concordance (k=0.01) between statistically significant (P<0.05) pain relief values and adherence to the 2013 ACSM exercise recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic validity of exercise intervention programs in fibromyalgia is low. This is mainly due to incomplete descriptions of exercise interventions and adherence. Poor concordance is found between high therapeutic validity and adherence to the ACSM exercise recommendations with pain relief. Improved standardized reporting is recommended to identify optimal exercise prescription for fibromyalgia.

Management of Functional Somatic Syndromes and Bodily Distress

Functional somatic syndromes (FSS), like irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia and other symptoms reflecting bodily distress, are common in practically all areas of medicine worldwide. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these symptoms and syndromes vary substantially across and within medical specialties from biomedicine to psychiatry. Patients may become frustrated with the lack of effective treatment, doctors may experience these disorders as difficult to treat, and this type of health problem forms an important component of the global burden of disease. This review intends to develop a unifying perspective on the understanding and management of FSS and bodily distress. Firstly, we present the clinical problem and review current concepts for classification. Secondly, we propose an integrated etiological model which encompasses a wide range of biopsychosocial vulnerability and triggering factors and considers consecutive aggravating and maintaining factors. Thirdly, we systematically scrutinize the current evidence base in terms of an umbrella review of systematic reviews from 2007 to 2017 and give recommendations for treatment for all levels of care, concentrating on developments over the last 10 years. We conclude that activating, patient-involving, and centrally acting therapies appear to be more effective than passive ones that primarily act on peripheral physiology, and we recommend stepped care approaches that translate a truly biopsychosocial approach into actual management of the patient.

Prescribed Versus Preferred Intensity Resistance Exercise in Fibromyalgia Pain

Exercise is the treatment of choice for fibromyalgia (FM), but little is known about resistance exercise prescription to modulate pain in this condition. This study aimed to compare the effects of different resistance exercise models, comprising self-selected or prescribed intensity, on pain in FM patients. In a cross-over fashion, 32 patients underwent the following sessions: (i) standard prescription (STD; 3 × 10 repetitions at 60% of maximal strength); (ii) self-selected load with fixed number of repetitions (SS); (iii) self-selected load with volume load (i.e., load × sets × repetitions) matched for STD (SS-VM); and (iv) self-selected load with a free number of repetitions until achieving score 7 of rating perceived exertion (SS-RPE). Pain, assessed by Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), was evaluated before and 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the sessions. Load was significantly lower in SS, SS-VM, SS-RPE than in STD, whereas rating perceived exertion and volume load were comparable between sessions. VAS scores increased immediately after all sessions (p < 0.0001), and reduced after 48, 72, 96 h (p < 0.0001), remaining elevated compared to pre-values. SF-MPQ scores increased immediately after all exercise sessions (p = 0.025), then gradually reduced across time, reaching baseline levels at 24 h. No significant differences between sessions were observed. Both prescribed and preferred intensity resistance exercises failed in reducing pain in FM patients. The recommendation that FM patients should exercise at preferred intensities to avoid exacerbated pain, which appears to be valid for aerobic exercise, does not apply to resistance exercise.

Effectiveness of a Blended Multidisciplinary Intervention for Patients with Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (PARASOL): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Medically unexplained physical symptoms are an important health problem in primary care, with a spectrum from mild to chronic. The burden of chronic medically unexplained physical symptoms is substantial for patients, health care professionals, and society. Therefore, early identification of patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms is needed in order to prevent chronicity. The preventive screening of medically unexplained physical symptoms (PRESUME) screening method was developed using data from the electronic medical record of the patients' general practitioner and demonstrated its prognostic accuracy to identify patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms. In the next step, we developed a proactive blended and integrated mental health and physical therapy intervention program (PARASOL) to reduce complaints of moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms, stimulate self-management, and prevent chronicity.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the blended PARASOL intervention on the impact of symptoms and quality of life in patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms compared with usual care. Secondary objectives are to study the effect on severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, general health, physical behavior, illness perception, and self-efficacy in patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms as well as to determine the cost-effectiveness of the program.

METHODS

This paper presents the study protocol of a multicenter cluster randomized clinical trial. Adult patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms will be identified from electronic medical record data using the PRESUME screening method and proactively recruited for participation in the study. Cluster randomization will be performed at the level of the participating health care centers. In total 248 patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms (124 patients per arm) are needed. The PARASOL intervention is a 12-week blended primary care program consisting of 4 face-to-face consultations with the mental health nurse and 5 physical therapy sessions, supplemented with a Web-based program. The Web-based program contains (1) information modules and videos on self-management and educative themes, (2) videos and instructions on prescribed home exercises, and (3) assignments to gradually increase the physical activity. The program is directed at patients' perception of symptoms as well as modifiable prognostic risk factors for chronicity using therapeutic neuroscience education. It encourages self-management, as well as an active lifestyle using a cognitive behavioral approach and graded activity. Primary outcomes are impact of symptoms and quality of life. Secondary outcomes are severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, general health, physical behavior, illness perceptions, self-efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. All measurements will be performed at baseline, 3 and 12 months after baseline. Retrospective cost questionnaires will also be sent at 6 and 9 months after baseline and these will be used for the cost-effectiveness analysis.

RESULTS

The intervention has been developed, and the physical therapists and mental health nurses in the participating experimental health care centers have received two days of training on the content of the blended PARASOL intervention. The recruitment of health care centers started in June 2016 and inclusion of patients began in March 2017. Follow-up assessments of patients are expected to be completed in March 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness) of a proactive, blended, and integrated mental health and physical therapy care program for patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms. The findings will help to improve the treatment for patients with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms and prevent chronicity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NTR6755; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6755 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ywporY7u).

Pilot Randomized Trial of Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Neuromuscular Training for Juvenile Fibromyalgia: The FIT Teens Program

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) improves coping and daily functioning in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM), but is less effective in reducing pain. This pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a novel intervention (Fibromyalgia Integrative Training for Teens; FIT Teens) which integrates CBT with specialized neuromuscular exercise training to enhance the effect of treatment on reducing pain and disability. Forty adolescents with JFM (12-18 years) were randomized to CBT-only or FIT Teens. Treatment was conducted in group-based sessions over 8 weeks with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up (primary end point). Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional disability. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, fear of movement, and pain catastrophizing. Thirty-six participants (mean age=15.33 years; 90% female) completed the program. Intent to treat analysis was conducted to evaluate differences between the FIT Teens and CBT groups from baseline to 3-month follow-up, controlling for baseline group differences. Participants in the FIT Teens group showed significantly greater decreases in pain than the CBT group. FIT Teens participants also showed significant improvements in disability, but did not differ from CBT-only at the 3-month end point. Results provide preliminary evidence that the FIT Teens intervention provides added benefits beyond CBT in the treatment of JFM, particularly in pain reduction.

PERSPECTIVE

Results from this pilot randomized controlled trial of a new combined CBT and specialized neuromuscular exercise intervention (FIT Teens), compared with CBT alone suggested that FIT Teens offers stronger treatment benefits than CBT alone at initial treatment follow-up, especially with respect to the outcome of pain reduction.

Evidence-based pain medicine for primary care physicians

The last several decades have seen a marked increase in both the recognition and treatment of chronic pain. Unfortunately, patients frequently misunderstand both the nature of pain and the best practices for its treatment. Because primary care physicians treat the majority of chronic pain, they are ideally situated to provide evidence-based pain care. The majority of the medical evidence supports a biopsychosocial model of pain that integrates physical, emotional, social, and cultural variables. The goal of this primer is to assist primary care physicians in their understanding of pain, evaluation of the chronic pain patient, and ability to direct evidence-based care. This article will discuss the role of physical rehabilitation, pain psychology, pharmacotherapy, and procedural interventions in the treatment of chronic pain. Given the current epidemic of drug-related deaths, particular emphasis is placed on the alternatives to opioid therapy. Unfortunately, death is not the only significant complication from opioid therapy, and this article discusses many of the most common side effects. This article provides general guidelines on the most appropriate utilization of opioids with emphasis on the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, risk stratification, and patient monitoring. Finally, the article concludes with the critical role that a pain medicine specialist can play in the management of patients with chronic pain.

A comparison of the effects of exercises plus connective tissue massage to exercises alone in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week combined exercise program with and without connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain, fatigue, sleep problem, health status, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Patients were randomly allocated into Exercise (n = 20) and Exercise + CTM (n = 20) groups. The exercise program with and without CTM was carried out 2 days a week for 6 weeks. Pain, fatigue, sleep problem with Visual Analog Scales, health status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and quality of life with Short Form-36 were evaluated. After the program, pain, fatigue and sleep problem reduced, health status (except of the scores of FIQ-1 and FIQ-10), physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, role limitations due to emotional health, vitality, and general health perceptions parameters related to quality of life improved in the Exercise group, (P < 0.05). In the Exercise + CTM group, pain, fatigue and sleep problem decreased, health status and quality of life improved (P < 0.05). Pain, fatigue, sleep problem, and role limitations due to physical health improved in the Exercise + CTM group in comparison to the Exercise group (P < 0.05). The study suggested that exercises with and without CTM might be effective for decreasing pain, fatigue and sleep problem whereas increasing health status and quality of life in patients with FMS. However, exercises with CTM might be superior in improving pain, fatigue, sleep problem, and role limitations due to physical health compared to exercise alone.

Developing and Implementing a Community-Based Model of Care for Fibromyalgia: A Feasibility Study

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disease posing challenges for primary care providers and specialists in its management.

Aim

To evaluate the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based model of care for FM.

Methods

A mixed methods feasibility study was completed in a small urban centre in southern British Columbia, Canada. Eleven adults with FM and a team of seven health care providers (HCPs) participated in a 10-week intervention involving education, exercise, and sleep management. Monthly “team-huddle” sessions with HCPs facilitated the integration of care. Data included health questionnaires, patient interviews, provider focus group/interviews, and provider surveys.

Results

Both patients and HCPs valued the interprofessional team approach to care. Other key aspects included the benefits of the group, exercise, and the positive focus of the program. Effectiveness of the model showed promising results: quality of care for chronic illness, quality of life, and sleep showed significant (P < 0.05) differences from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusions

Our community-based model of care for FM was successfully implemented. Further testing of the model will be required with a larger sample to determine its effectiveness, although promising results were apparent in our feasibility study.

Determining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for 6-Minute Walk Distance in Fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN

Data from a recently completed trial that included 187 patients who completed the 6-min walk test, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Short-Form 36 (SF36) at 12 and 36 wks were used to examine longitudinal changes in 6MWD. An anchor-based approach that used linear regression analyses was used to determine the MCID for 6MWD, using the total FIQ score (FIQ-Total) and SF36-physical function domain as clinical anchors.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) change in 6MWD from baseline to week 36 was 34.4 (65.2) m (P < 0.001). The anchor-based MCIDs for the 6MWD were 156 and 167 m for the FIQ and SF36-physical function domain, respectively. These MCIDs correspond with clinically meaningful improvements in FIQ (14% reduction) and SF36-physical function domain (10-point increase).

CONCLUSION

The MCID for 6MWD in patients with fibromyalgia was 156 to 167 m. These findings provide the first evidence of the change in 6MWD that is perceived by patients to be clinically meaningful. Further research using other MCID calculation methods is needed to refine estimates of the MCID for 6MWD in patients with fibromyalgia.