Affiliation:
1. UBIC Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
2. Freshage Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
3. Freshage Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain and both physical and emotional alterations, which in turn may affect the individual’s quality of life. Thus, interventions aimed at treating such symptoms, without increasing fatigue, are needed. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-TMS) and physical exercise (PE) on pain, impact of FM, physical conditioning, and emotional status in women with FM.
Methods
Forty-nine women with FM were randomly allocated to: (1) a PE group (PEG, n = 16), who underwent an 8-week (two 60-minute sessions/wk) low-intensity PE program; (2) a TMS group (TMSG, n = 17) receiving a 2-week (five 20-minute sessions/wk) HF-TMS intervention; and (3) a control group (CG, n = 16). Pain (ie, perceived pain and average pressure pain threshold), perceived impact of FM (ie, overall impact, symptoms, and perceived physical function), physical conditioning (ie, endurance and functional capacity, fatigue, gait velocity, and power), and emotional status (ie, anxiety, depression, stress, and satisfaction) were assessed at baseline (T0) and after the intervention (T1, at 2 weeks for TMSG and at 8 weeks for PEG and CG).
Results
The TMSG showed significant improvement in all studied variables after the intervention except for satisfaction, whereas the PEG showed improved average pressure pain threshold, perceived overall impact of FM and total score, endurance and functional capacity, velocity and power, anxiety, depression, and stress. In contrast, the CG showed no improvements in any variable.
Conclusion
Both PE and HF-TMS are effective in improving pain, impact of FM, physical conditioning, and emotional status in people with FM; HF-TMS achieved larger improvements in emotional status than PE.
Impact
TMS and PE have similar benefits for physical status, whereas TMS has greater benefits than PE for emotional status in women with FM.
Funder
Universitat de València Ethics Committee
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Reference80 articles.
1. Criteria for fibromyalgia? What is fibromyalgia? Limitations to current concepts of fibromyalgia and fibromyalgia criteria;Wolfe;Clin Exp Rheumatol,2017
2. Muscle performance in patients with fibromyalgia;Maquet;Jt Bone Spine,2002
3. Physical condition factors that predict a better quality of life in women with fibromyalgia;Sempere-Rubio;Int J Environ Res Public Health,2019
4. Hinders for continued work among persons with fibromyalgia;Mannerkorpi;BMC Musculoskelet Disord,2012
5. Fibromyalgia comorbid with anxiety disorders and depression: combined medical and psychological treatment;Bernik;Curr Pain Headache Rep,2013