Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE. This systematic review addresses the effectiveness of occupational therapy–related interventions for adults with fibromyalgia. METHOD. We examined the literature published between January 2000 and June 2014. A total of 322 abstracts from five databases were reviewed. Forty-two Level I studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were evaluated primarily with regard to the following outcomes: daily activities, pain, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and sleep. RESULTS. Strong evidence was found for interventions categorized for this review as cognitive–behavioral interventions; relaxation and stress management; emotional disclosure; physical activity; and multidisciplinary interventions for improving daily living, pain, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. There was limited to no evidence for self-management, and few interventions resulted in better sleep. CONCLUSION. Although the evidence supports interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for people with fibromyalgia, few interventions were occupation based.