Influence of physical exercise and whole body vibration on flexibility in women with fibromyalgia

Abstract

Objective. The main aim of this investigation was twofold: first to evaluate the effects of exercise and whole body vibration training on flexibility in women with fibromyalgia (FM) and determine whether these improvements are related to symptom severity (stiffness and bodily pain).

Method. Forty-six women (mean ± sd, age: 58.2 ± 8.5 years; weight: 72.1 ± 9.6 kg; height: 156.9 ± 6.1 cm) with FM were randomized into one of three groups: exercise and whole body vibration (WBV) training group (WBV + EX; n = 15), exercise training group (EX), and usual-care control group (CG). WBV + EX and EX groups carried out two sessions per week of exercise training for 8 weeks. In addition, WBV + EX group performed 3 vibration-training (30 Hz, 4 mm) sessions per week. Outcome assessed included sit and reach test (primary outcome), tender points (TP) evaluation, and a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine the stiffness level.

Results. Results showed no statistical intra and intergroup differences in stiffness or the number of TP. However, a significant increment in the sit and reach performance was observed in WBV + EX (58%; p < 0.05). Moreover, correlation analysis showed an inverse and significant relationship (r = -0.55; p < 0.05) between sit and reach and number of TP in WBV+EX group.

Conclusion. In conclusion, exercise and WBV seems to be effective on flexibility in women with FM. However, the number of TP and stiffness was not modified after the intervention.