Fibromyalgia and Exercise
Session Title
Other Abstracts
Faculty Mentor
Janet Wojcik, Ph.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Abstract
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a disorder that is primarily known for causing musculoskeletal pain. FMS is believed to affect the way the brain processes signals and amplifies painful sensations. People with FMS should follow special considerations when it comes to exercise. The key study in the literature review looked at the effects of muscle strengthening versus aerobic exercise programs in FMS and how the programs impact symptoms. Thirty female subjects with FMS were randomly assigned to two groups, strength training and aerobic training. Both groups participated in an 8-week program that involved exercising 3 days per week. The strength training group did 4-5 exercises for both upper body and lower body. The aerobic program did 30 minutes of walking on treadmill at a speed that reached 60-70% of maximum heart rate. Aerobic training should be done 1-2 days and progress to 2-3 days of light to moderate exercise, which can be done through low impact exercises such as swimming and cycling. Aerobic training can be done in 10-minute bouts to get 60 minutes per day. Resistance training should be done 2-3 days a week with body weight and progress to resistance bands. Lastly, flexibility should be done about 3 days a week, to produce a good stretch. Exercise can be very effective in improving symptoms for fibromyalgia and improving overall quality of life. However, this study did not determine whether strength training or aerobic training had a greater impact on symptoms.
Course Assignment
EXSC 511 – Wojcik
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Fibromyalgia and Exercise
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a disorder that is primarily known for causing musculoskeletal pain. FMS is believed to affect the way the brain processes signals and amplifies painful sensations. People with FMS should follow special considerations when it comes to exercise. The key study in the literature review looked at the effects of muscle strengthening versus aerobic exercise programs in FMS and how the programs impact symptoms. Thirty female subjects with FMS were randomly assigned to two groups, strength training and aerobic training. Both groups participated in an 8-week program that involved exercising 3 days per week. The strength training group did 4-5 exercises for both upper body and lower body. The aerobic program did 30 minutes of walking on treadmill at a speed that reached 60-70% of maximum heart rate. Aerobic training should be done 1-2 days and progress to 2-3 days of light to moderate exercise, which can be done through low impact exercises such as swimming and cycling. Aerobic training can be done in 10-minute bouts to get 60 minutes per day. Resistance training should be done 2-3 days a week with body weight and progress to resistance bands. Lastly, flexibility should be done about 3 days a week, to produce a good stretch. Exercise can be very effective in improving symptoms for fibromyalgia and improving overall quality of life. However, this study did not determine whether strength training or aerobic training had a greater impact on symptoms.
