Effects of a group activity program for fibromyalgia patients on physical fitness and well being

Objectives: The goals of this study were to determine the effects of an exercise program on physical fitness and perceived benefits among fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned [ratio 2:1, anticipating dropout] to a fitness intervention [FI, N 58] group or a nonintervention [NI, N 27] group. In both groups, physical fitness [maximal power output, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, coordination] and body composition were measured before and after the six-month observation period. The FI-group underwent a fitness program two times per week for six months while the NI-group continued their usual activity undirected. Benefits perceived by the FI-group were assessed six months after finishing the study. Results: The dropout rate among the FI group was lower than expected [45 of 58 completed], while 27 of 29 in the NI-group completed. Despite randomization, completing FI-group subjects were older than the NI-group [mean ages 47 +/- 8 versus 42 +/- 8 years]. The NI-group exhibited a decrease in peak power output and peak heart rate during the study period. Surprisingly, the same was true for the FI-group where the mean peak power output declined from 233 +/- 28 Watts to 112 +/- 23 Watts and the mean peak heart rate declined from 153 +/- 20 to 145 +/- 17. Most of the FI-group subjects [83%] perceived benefits [physical, social] from the exercise program and continued it at their own expense. Conclusions: The fitness program failed to improve the apparent physical fitness in the FMS patient participants but the majority believed they had benefited and elected to continue it.