A pilot study of body awareness programs in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To compare in a pilot study the effect of two physical therapies, the Mensendieck system (MS) and body awareness therapy (BAT) according to Roxendal, in fibromyalgia patients and to investigate differences in effect between the two interventions.

METHODS

Twenty female patients were randomized to either MS or BAT in a program lasting 20 weeks. Evaluations were tender point examination and questionnaires, including visual analog scales (pain intensity at worst site, muscular stiffness, evening fatigue, and global health), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Quality of Life Scales, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), and disability before, immediately after, and at 6 and 18 months follow-up.

RESULTS

The BAT group had improved global health at 18 months follow-up, but lower results than the MS group. The MS group had improved FIQ, ASES other symptoms, and pain at worst site at 18 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In the present pilot study, MS was associated with more positive changes than BAT.

Muscle metabolism in fibromyalgia studied by P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy during aerobic and anaerobic exercise

OBJECTIVE

To investigate mechanisms underlying the reduced work capacity of fibromyalgia (FM) patients were compared to healthy controls at specified workloads, using P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

METHODS

The forearm flexor muscle group was examined with MRS at rest, at sub maximal and at maximal controlled dynamic work as well as at maximal isometric contraction. Aerobic fitness was determined by bicycle ergonometry.

RESULTS

Metabolite concentrations and muscle pH were similar for patients and controls at lower workloads. At maximal dynamic and static contractions the concentration of inorganic phosphate was lower and at static contractions the pH decrease was smaller in patients. The performed work by patients was only 50% compared to controls and the patients experienced more pain. Maximal oxygen uptake was lower in the fibromyalgia group. Expired gas-analysis in this group showed ventilatory equivalents at similar relative levels of maximal work capacity.

CONCLUSION

Fibromyalgia patients seem to utilise less of the energy rich phosphorous metabolites at maximal work despite pH reduction. They seemed to be less aerobic fitted and reached the anaerobic threshold earlier than the controls.

Quantitative sensory testing in fibromyalgia patients and in healthy subjects: identification of subgroups

OBJECTIVE

To determine perception and pain thresholds in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and in healthy controls, and to investigate whether patients with fibromyalgia syndrome can be grouped with respect to thermal hyperalgesia and whether these subgroups differ from healthy controls and in clinical appearance.

DESIGN

The authors conducted a quasi-experimental clinical study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-nine women patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and 21 healthy pain-free age-matched women participated in the study.

METHODS

Quantitative sensory testing using a Thermotest instrument was performed on the dorsum of the left hand. Sleep and pain intensity were rated using visual analog scales.

RESULTS

Cold and heat pain but not perception thresholds differed significantly between patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy subjects. Based on thermal pain thresholds, two subgroups could be identified in fibromyalgia syndrome using cluster analysis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were subgrouped by quantitative sensory testing (i.e., thermal pain thresholds). Subgroups show clinical differences in pain intensities, number of tender points, and sleep quality. Cold pain threshold was especially linked to these clinical aspects.

Chronic pain and difficulty in relaxing postural muscles in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic whiplash associated disorders

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if muscle tension according to the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the shoulder flexors is increased in consecutive patients with fibromyalgia (FM) or chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD).

METHODS

A total of 59 consecutive patients with FM (n = 36) or chronic WAD (n = 23) performed 100 maximal isokinetic contractions combined with surface electromyography of the trapezius and infraspinatus. A randomized group of pain-free female (n = 27) subjects served as control group. Peak torque initially (Pti) and absolute and relative peak torque at endurance level (PTe, PTer) were registered as output variables, together with the EMG level of unnecessary muscle tension, i.e., the signal amplitude ratio (SAR).

RESULTS

The patient groups had a higher level of unnecessary tension initially and at the endurance level. The patients had lower absolute output (PTi and PTe), but the relative levels (PTer) did not differ comparing all 3 groups. Subjects with FM had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than the other groups. BMI did not influence the SAR but correlated positively with PTi.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed earlier findings that groups of patients with chronic pain have increased muscle tension and decreased output during dynamic activity compared to pain-free controls. However, the results indicated there is heterogeneity within groups of patients with the same chronic pain disorder and that not all patients with chronic pain have increased muscle tension.

Dreams that lie in tatters: the changing fortunes of nurses who left the British NHS to own and run residential homes for elderly people

During the 1980s many nurses left the British National Health Service to own and run private residential care homes for elderly people. At the time, a public policy of guaranteed financial support for residents underpinned the rapid expansion in the sector and residential homes were considered as profitable low-risk business ventures. However, since the introduction of the 1990 National Health Service and Care in the Community Act, this automatic funding has been withdrawn and residential homes have had to compete amongst each other for a finite number of clients funded by limited local budgets. The withdrawal of guaranteed state support and the introduction of social care markets have had negative impacts on many residential home businesses. Indeed, many homes are facing financial difficulties. This paper considers the actions and attitudes of former nurse proprietors under the new conditions based on a three-stage survey in Devon, England. Proprietors are experiencing increased levels of stress and many are unhappy with their current work experiences. The paper concludes that although the small business private sector may seem attractive to nurses, any move into private sector ownership has an associated risk. Social policy conditions may change with concurrent consequences for businesses and business owners.