COVID-19 pandemic and exercising: a cross-sectional study with 1156 patients with fibromyalgia

Effects of strength training in fibromyalgia on balance, neuromuscular performance, and symptomatic analysis: a 12-week study protocol

Fibromyalgia affects skeletal muscles presenting with muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue. The exercise practice is wellstabilized and suggested for the reduction of symptoms. However, there are some gaps in the literature related to balance and neuromuscular performance in a strength training protocol. The aim of this study is to structure a protocol to verify the effects of strength training applied over a short period, on balance, neuromuscular performance, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Additionally, we intend to analyze the effects of a short period of cessation of training. Participants will be recruited through flyers, internet advertisements, clinical referrals, health professionals, and email outreach. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to the control group or experimental group. Before the training period, symptoms (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale), balance (force plate), and neuromuscular performance (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) will be assessed. Participants in the experimental group will perform strength training twice a week (50 min each), on alternate days, for 8 weeks (16 sessions). Then, 4 weeks of detraining will be completed. This training program will be carried out online, using real-time videos, and the participants will be divided into two groups with different schedules. The Borg scale will be used to monitor perceived effort in each session. There is a gap in the literature about exercise prescriptions for fibromyalgia. The supervised online intervention enables a wide range of participation. The strength exercises used (without the use of external materials and/or machines) and load (few repetitions per set) represent a novelty to training programming. Moreover, this training program respects the limitations and individuality of the volunteers, providing exercise adaptations. With positive results, the present protocol could be an easy-to-apply guideline with clear instructions on the details related to exercise prescription. Also, ensure the effectiveness of a low-cost and feasible treatment, especially for fibromyalgia patients.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT05646641.

Influence of Codiagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Habitual Physical Exercise on the Psychological Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are two diseases that are frequently codiagnosed and present many similarities, such as poor tolerance to physical exercise. Although exercise is recommended in their daily routine to improve quality of life, little is known about how CFS codiagnosis affects that. Using scientifically validated questionnaires, we evaluated the psychological state and quality of life of patients with FM (n = 70) and how habitual physical exercise (HPE) reported by patients with only FM (FM-only n = 38) or codiagnosed with CFS (FM + CFS, n = 32) influences those aspects. An age-matched reference group of “healthy” women without FM (RG, n = 70) was used. The FM-only group presented a worse psychological state and quality of life compared to RG, with no influence of CFS codiagnosis. The patients of the FM-only and FM + CFS groups who perform HPE presented better levels of stress and state anxiety, but with no differences between them. Depression and trait anxiety improved only in women with just FM. CFS codiagnosis does not worsen the psychological and quality of life impairment of FM patients and does not have a great influence on the positive effect of HPE.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Previously Diagnosed Patients With Fibromyalgia

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a one-of-its-kind pandemic due to its high infectivity and mortality rate. Prolonged lockdown periods imposed during the pandemic saved many lives but, on the other hand, had a huge psychological and clinical impact on patients suffering from chronic medical illnesses.

Aims

This study aimed to find the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with previously diagnosed fibromyalgia.

Methods

A prospective observational study including the cohort of previously diagnosed cases of fibromyalgia as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria where the patients were evaluated by an online survey for socio-demographic profile, subjective improvement, and objective improvement in quality of life by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR). Pre and post-COVID-19 scores were analyzed. The statistical procedure used included the chi-square test.

Results

A total of 78 subjects were recruited for the study, with a female preponderance (75%) and mean (SD) age of 37.2 (9.2) years. The duration of symptoms was nine to 12 months followed by more than 12 months at the time of the first consultation for the majority of subjects. Sixty-five percent (65%) of subjects had no improvement or deterioration on FIQR.

Statistical analysis

This included mean, standard deviation, proportions, percentages, and the chi-square test.

Conclusion

COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on patients with fibromyalgia even on continued pharmacological treatment. However, there was no statistically significant data on the comparison of the overall mean score of FIQR and each domain individually with the continuation of treatment and improvement of symptoms.