[Psychosomatic aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia]

Effects of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts and Stretching Exercises on Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and various associated symptoms. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained attention for managing FMS and improving patient outcomes. We reviewed past research to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese martial arts (TCMA) and stretching training (ST) on symptoms of patients with FMS. We searched Web of Science, Medline via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from their inceptions to June 1, 2023. Across selected studies, we evaluated TCMA and ST using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores, pain symptoms, fatigue levels, and sleep quality as outcome measures. Compared with control groups, participants receiving TCMA and ST interventions showed significantly lower FIQ scores (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = -3.01, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [-4.83,-1.19]), improved pain symptoms (SMD = -0.77, 95% CI [-1.07,-0.47]), less fatigue (SMD = 1.31, 95% CI [0.50,2.11]), and enhanced sleep quality (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.97,-0.12]). Subgroup analyses revealed that, irrespective of intervention duration, both TCMA and ST interventions were effective in relieving pain symptoms in these patients. ST interventions showed significant improvement in fatigue symptoms, while TCMA interventions positively influenced sleep quality. These findings highlight potential non-pharmalogical benefits of TCMA and ST interventions in managing FMS. However, future research should explore the optimal duration, frequency, intensity, and types of interventions for TCMA and ST and design targeted exercise intervention programs to study the effects of these interventions on different characteristics of FMS patients. Attention should be given to the effects of short-term interventions on improving fatigue symptoms, sleep quality, and pain relief, to provide more personalized and effective FMS treatment plans.

[Subgroups of fibromyalgia]

As has been shown by a number of working groups, primary fibromyalgia syndrome does not represent a single clinical entity. It is possible to distinguish between a subgroup with high pain sensitivity and no associated psychiatric condition, a second subgroup characterized by depression and concomitant pain symptoms associated with fibromyalgia syndrome, and a third group with somatoform pain disorder of the fibromyalgia type. Bland inflammatory processes must be considered as the cause in the first group, while depression is the underlying reason for the development of pain in the second group. In the third group, serious previous or still existing psychological problems or also insufficient coping with illness symptoms must be regarded as the reason for pain chronification. Group 1 benefits from a blocking of the 5-HT3 receptors by means of tropisetron, for example. This not only affects pain chronification but also the inflammatory process itself. Group 2 needs antidepressant treatment, whereas the focus should be on psychotherapy is group 3. Groups 1 and 2 will also profit from multimodal physical treatment programs; to a certain extent this applies to group 3 as well. So-called mixed types require a combination of therapeutic measures.