Effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at tender points as adjuvant therapy for patients with fibromyalgia. Does addition of ‘mud-pack and hot pool treatment’ to patient education make a difference in fibromyalgia patients? A randomized controlled single blind study A protocol and pilot study for managing fibromyalgia with yoga and meditation. [Medicinal baths for treatment of generalized fibromyalgia]. Effects of unilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex on chronic widespread pain in fibromyalgia. Effectiveness of Balneotherapy in Chronic Low Back Pain – a Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Follow-up Study Balneotherapy in fibromyalgia: a single blind randomized controlled clinical study Effects of muscle strengthening versus aerobic exercise program in fibromyalgia Investigation of the effects of pool-based exercise on fibromyalgia syndrome The effects of balneotherapy on fibromyalgia patients Balneotherapy for fibromyalgia at the Dead Sea The Effect of Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea on the Quality of Life of Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients. SPA therapy in fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled clinic study Management of patients with fibromyalgia using biofeedback: a randomized control trial. Effects of mud-bath treatment on fibromyalgia patients: a randomized clinical trial Function of the hypothalamic adrenal axis in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome undergoing mud-pack treatment. Sleep cycles and alpha-delta sleep in fibromyalgia syndrome. Electroconvulsive therapy in patients with depression and fibromyalgia Six-month and one-year followup of 23 weeks of aerobic exercise for individuals with fibromyalgia. Efficacy of Low Power Laser Therapy in Fibromyalgia: A Single-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial Screening for the presence of FMR1 premutation alleles in women with fibromyalgia. Assessment of the effects of aquatic therapy on global symptomatology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome associated with sleep disorders , fatigue and psychological symptoms . Combinations therapies , such as electrotherapy and therapeutic exercises have been used in the clinical practice . AIM To assess the efficacy of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS ) as an adjuvant therapy to aerobic and stretching exercises , for the treatment of fibromyalgia . DESIGN Controlled clinical trial . SETTING Unit of rehabilitation of a public hospital . POPULATION Twenty-eight women aged 52.4±7.5 years , with fibromyalgia . METHODS A visual analogue scale measured pain intensity ; tender points pain threshold , by dolorimetry ; and quality of life , by the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire . All subjects participated in an eight-week program consisting of aerobic exercises , followed by static stretching of muscle chains . In TENS group , high-frequency ( 150 Hz ) was applied on bilateral tender points of trapezium and supraspinatus . RESULTS TENS group had a greater pain reduction ( mean change score=-2.0±2.9 cm ) compared to Without TENS group ( -0.7±3.7 cm ) . There was a difference between mean change scores of each group for pain threshold ( right trapezium : 0.2±1 kg/cm² in TENS group and -0.2±1.2 kg/cm² in Without TENS group ) . In the evaluation of clinical ly important changes , patients receiving TENS had relevant improvement of pain , work performance , fatigue , stiffness , anxiety and depression compared to those not receiving TENS . CONCLUSION It has suggested that high-frequency TENS as an adjuvant therapy is effective in relieving pain , anxiety , fatigue , stiffness , and in improving ability to work of patients with fibromyalgia . CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT High-frequency TENS may be used as a short-term complementary treatment of fibromyalgia The aim of this r and omized controlled single-blind study is to explore whether addition of mud-pack and hot pool treatments to patient education make a significant difference in short and mild term outcomes of the patients with fibromyalgia . Seventy women with fibromyalgia syndrome were r and omly assigned to either balneotherapy with mud-pack and hot pool treatments ( 35 ) or control ( 35 ) groups . After r and omization , five patients from  balneotherapy group and five patients from control group were dropped out from the study with different excuses . All patients had 6-h patient education programme about fibromyalgia syndrome and were given a home exercise programme . The patients in balneotherapy group had heated pool treatment at 38 ° C for 20 min a day , and mud-pack treatment afterwards on back region at 45 ° C . Balneotherapy was applied on weekdays for 2 weeks . All patients continued to take their medical treatment . An investigator who was blinded to the intervention assessed all the patients before and after the treatment , at the first and the third months of follow-up . Outcome measures were FIQ , BDI and both patient ’s and physician ’s global assessment s.  Balneotherapy group was significantly better than control group at after the treatment and at the end of the first month follow-up assessment s in terms of patient ’s and physician ’s global assessment , total FIQ score , and pain intensity , fatigue , non-refreshed awaking , stiffness , anxiety and depression subscales of FIQ . No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of BDI scores . It is concluded that patient education combined with 2 weeks balneotherapy application has more beneficial effects in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome as compared to patient education alone Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain , sleep disturbance , stiffness , fatigue , headache , and mood disorders . Recent research has result ed in an improved underst and ing of fibromyalgia and its possible causes . This article highlights some of the current research , discusses a strategy for using yoga and meditation as a therapy for fibromyalgia sufferers , and presents the results of a preliminary 8-week study using yoga and meditation to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms . The study of 11 participants found significant improvement in the overall health status of the participants and in symptoms of stiffness , anxiety , and depression . Significant improvements were also seen in the reported number of days " felt good " and number of days " missed work " because of fibromyalgia . Nonsignificant improvements were seen in measures of pain , fatigue , and how one felt in the morning . Effect sizes were medium to large for most tested areas . This study supports the benefits of yoga and meditation for individuals with fibromyalgia and encourages further research to explore their use as st and ard therapies for fibromyalgia OBJECTIVE We studied whether whirl baths with plain water or with water containing pine oil or valerian have a different influence on  pain , disturbed sleep or tender point count . METHODS A r and omized , comparative and investigator-blinded study was performed . Out- patients with generalized fibromyalgia were r and omized into three treatment groups . INTERVENTIONS Therapy consisted of either whirl bath with plain water or with the addition of pine oil or valerian . The baths were carried out 10 times , three times a week . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES General pain , change of pain intensity during the day , general well-being and occurrence of disturbed sleep were recorded before and after the therapy . The number of tender points was assessed by digital palpation , the pain threshold on the shinbone and the middle part of the deltoid muscle was measured by the dolorimeter of A. Fischer . The same instrument was used for recording pain threshold and pain tolerance of both trapezius muscles . The tissue compliance of these muscles was measured as well . RESULTS 30 out of 39 patients included in the study were evaluated statistically . After treatment with valerian bath ( n = 12 ) well-being and sleep were significantly improved and also the tender point count decreased significantly . Pine oil added to the bath water ( n = 7 ) result ed in a significant improvement of well-being , but unfortunately also in a significant decrease of pain threshold of the shinbone and the right deltoid muscle .  Whirl bath in plain water ( n = 11 ) reduced general and maximum pain intensity significantly . CONCLUSIONS Our cautious conclusion of this study is - with respect to the small number of treated patients - that different effects of whirl baths with or without medicinal bath oils can be detected in fibromyalgia patients .  Plain water baths modify the pain intensity , medicinal baths improve well-being and sleep Non-invasive unilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation ( rTMS ) of the motor cortex induces analgesic effects in focal chronic pain syndromes , probably by modifying central pain modulatory systems . Neuroimaging studies have shown bilateral activation of a large number of structures , including some of those involved in pain processing , suggesting that such stimulation may induce generalized analgesic effects . The goal of this study was to assess the effects of unilateral rTMS of the motor cortex on chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia . Thirty patients with fibromyalgia syndrome ( age : 52.6 + /- 7.9 ) were r and omly assigned , in a double-blind fashion , to two groups , one receiving active rTMS ( n = 15 ) and the other sham stimulation ( n = 15 ) , applied to the left primary motor cortex in 10 daily sessions . The primary outcome measure was self-reported average pain intensity over the last 24 h , measured at baseline , daily during the stimulation period and then 15 , 30 and 60 days after the first stimulation . Other outcome measures included : sensory and affective pain scores for the McGill pain Question naire , quality of life ( assessed with the pain interference items of the Brief Pain Inventory and the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ) , mood and anxiety ( assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale , the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ) . We also assessed the effects of rTMS on the pressure pain threshold at tender points ipsi- and contralateral to stimulation . Follow-up data were obtained for all the patients on days 15 and 30 and for 26 patients ( 13 in each treatment group ) on day 60 . Active rTMS significantly reduced pain and improved several aspects of quality of life ( including fatigue , morning tiredness , general activity , walking and sleep ) for up to 2 weeks after treatment had ended . The analgesic effects were observed from the fifth stimulation onwards and were not related to changes in mood or anxiety . The effects of rTMS were more long-lasting for affective than for sensory pain , suggesting differential effects on brain structures involved in pain perception . Only few minor and transient side effects were reported during the stimulation period . Our data indicate that unilateral rTMS of the motor cortex induces a long-lasting decrease in chronic widespread pain and may therefore constitute an effective alternative analgesic treatment for fibromyalgia Objective : Balneotherapy , a domain of medical science , focuses on utilizing the beneficial effects of medicinal waters . Low back pain is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders affecting a large proportion of the population during their lifetime . Although small in number , all controlled studies published on this subject have demonstrated the benefits of balneotherapy . This present study was undertaken to compare the effects of hydrotherapy with mineral water vs. tap water on low back pain . Patients and Methods : A single-blind clinical study was carried out to appraise the therapeutic efficacy of reduced sulphurous water on 60 patients with low back pain . 30 subjects took baths in reduced sulphurous mineral water  , whereas the other 30 patients used modified tap water of matching odor . Parameters determined at baseline , after balneo-/hydrotherapy , and at the end of the 3-month follow-up period included the results of the Visual Analogue Scale ( VAS ) score , the modified Oswestry index , mobility of the spine , antalgic posture , tenderness of the paravertebral muscles on palpation , the dose requirements for analgesics , and the efficacy assessed by the investigators and by the patients . Results : Bathing in mineral water result ed in a statistically significant improvement . This was reflected by the VAS ( p < 0.01 ) and manifested by the mitigation of muscle spasm ( p < 0.01 ) , the alleviation of local tenderness ( p < 0.01 ) , the enhanced flexion-extension and rotation of the spine ( p < 0.01 ) as well as by the improvement of the Schober ’s index ( p < 0.01 ) . All these beneficial changes persisted as long as 3 months after the completion of balneotherapy . By contrast , hydrotherapy with tap water result ed only in the temporary improvement of just a single parameter : the VAS score improved significantly ( p < 0.01 ) . Conclusions : Balneotherapy in itself can alleviate  low back pain . As demonstrated by this study , the analgesic efficacy and improvement of mobility accomplished by the use of mineral water is significantly superior to that afforded by hydrotherapy with tap water . Our results clearly establish the beneficial effects of mineral water . Moreover , it is a valuable adjunct to other forms of physical treatment as well as to pharmacotherapy We aim ed to evaluate the effectiveness of balneotherapy in  fibromyalgia management .  Fifty women with fibromyalgia under pharmacological treatment were r and omly assigned to either the balneotherapy ( 25 ) or the control ( 25 ) group . Four patients from the balneotherapy group and one patient from the control group left the study after r and omization . The patients in the balneotherapy group ( 21 ) had 2 thermomineral water baths daily for 2 weeks in Tuzla Spa Center . The patients in the control group ( 24 ) continued to have their medical treatment and routine daily life . An investigator who was blinded to the study arms assessed the patients . All patients were assessed four times ; at the beginning of the study , at the end of the 2nd week , the 1st month , and the 3rd month after balneotherapy . Outcome measures of the study were pain intensity , Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( FIQ ) , Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) , patient ’s global assessment , investigator ’s global assessment , SF-36 scores , and tender point count .  Balneotherapy was found to be superior at the end of the cure period in terms of pain intensity , FIQ , Beck Depression Inventory , patient ’s global assessment , investigator ’s global assessment scores , and tender point count as compared to the control group . The superiority of balneotherapy lasted up to the end of the 3rd month , except for the Beck Depression Inventory score and the investigator ’s global assessment score . Significant improvements were observed in PF , GH , and MH subscales of SF-36 during the study period in the balneotherapy group ; however , no such improvement was observed in the control group . Balneotherapy was superior only in VT subscale at the end of therapy and at the end of the third month after the therapy as compared to the controls . It was concluded that balneotherapy provides beneficial effects in patients with fibromyalgia The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training with a muscle-strengthening program in patients with fibromyalgia . Thirty women with fibromyalgia were r and omized to either an aerobic exercise ( AE ) program or a strengthening exercise ( SE ) program for 8 weeks . Outcome measures included the intensity of fibromyalgia-related symptoms , tender point count , fitness ( 6-min walk distance ) , hospital anxiety and depression ( HAD ) scale , and short-form health survey ( SF-36 ) . There were significant improvements in both groups regarding pain , sleep , fatigue , tender point count , and fitness after treatment . HAD-depression scores improved significantly in both groups while no significant change occurred in HAD-anxiety scores . Bodily pain subscale of SF-36 and physical component summary improved significantly in the AE group , whereas seven subscales of SF-36 , physical component summary , and mental component summary improved significantly in the SE group . When the groups were compared after treatment , there were no significant differences in pain , sleep , fatigue , tender point count , fitness , HAD scores , and SF-36 scores . AE and SE are similarly effective at improving symptoms , tender point count , fitness , depression , and quality of life in fibromyalgia Objective The aim of this study was to compare pool-based exercise and balneotherapy in fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) patients . Methods Fifty female patients diagnosed with FMS according to the American College of Rheumatism ( ACR ) criteria were r and omly assigned to two groups : group 1 ( n=25 ) with pool-based exercise , and in group 2 ( n=25 ) balneotherapy was applied in the same pool without any exercise for 35 min three times a week for 12 weeks . In both groups , pre- ( week 0 ) and post-treatment ( weeks 12 and 24 ) evaluation was performed by one of the authors , who was blind to the patient group . Evaluation parameters included pain , morning stiffness , sleep , tender points , global evaluation by the patient and the physician , fibromyalgia impact question naire , chair test , and Beck depression inventory . Statistical analysis was done on data collected from three evaluation stages . Results Twenty-four exercise and 22 balneotherapy patients completed the study . Pretreatment ( week 0 ) measurements did not show any difference between the groups . In group 1 , statistically significant improvement was observed in all parameters ( P<0.01 ) except for the chair test at both weeks 12 and 24 . In group 2 , week 12 measurements showed significant improvement in all parameters ( P<0.01 ) except for the chair test and Beck depression inventory . Week 24 evaluation results in group 2 showed significant improvements in pain and fatigue according to visual analogue scale ( VAS ) , 5-point scale , number of tender points , algometric and myalgic scores , and patient and physician global evaluation ( P<0.01 and P<0.05 , respectively ) , while improvements were nonsignificant in morning stiffness , sleep , fibromyalgia impact question naire ( FIQ ) , chair test , and Beck depression inventory parameters in this group . Comparison of the two groups based on the post-treatment ( weeks 12 and 24 ) percent changes and difference scores relative to pretreatment ( week 0 ) values failed to show a significant difference between the groups for any parameter except Beck depression inventory ( P<0.01 ) . Conclusion The results of our study showed that pool-based exercise had a longer-lasting effect on some of the FMS symptoms , but statistical analysis failed to show a significant superiority of pool-based exercise over balneotherapy without exercise . While we believe that exercise is a gold st and ard in FMS treatment , we also suggest in light of our results that balneotherapy is among the valid treatment options in FMS , and further research regarding the type and duration of the exercise programs is necessary Abstract . Fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) is a very common rheumatological diagnosis . There are various treatment modalities . This study was planned to investigate the effects of balneotherapy in the treatment of FMS . A total of 42 primary fibromyalgia patients diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria were included in the study . Their ages ranged between 30 and 55 years . Patients were r and omly assigned to two groups . None of them had had a cardiovascular disease before . Group 1 ( n=22 ) received 20-min bathing , once a day and five times per week . Patients participated in the study for 3 weeks ( total of 15 sessions ) . Group 2 ( n=20 ) was accepted as the control group . Patients were evaluated by the number of tender points , Visual Analogue Scale for pain , Beck 's Depression Index for depression , and Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire for functional capacity . Measurements were assessed initially , after the therapy , and at the end of the 6th month . In group 1 , there were statistically significant differences in numbers of tender points , Visual Analogue scores , Beck 's Depression Index , and Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire scores after the therapy program ( P<0.001 ) . Also , 6 months later in group 1 , there was still an improvement in the number of tender points ( P<0.001 ) , Visual Analogue scores , and Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( P<0.005 ) . But there was not a statistical difference in Beck 's Depression Index scores compared to the control group ( P>0.05 ) . Patients with FMS mostly complain about pain , anxiety , and the difficulty in daily living activities . This study shows that balneotherapy is effective and may be an alternative method in treating fibromyalgia patients Abstract . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of balneotherapy on patients with fibromyalgia ( FM ) at the Dead Sea . Forty-eight patients with FM were r and omly assigned to a treatment group receiving sulfur baths and a control group .  All participants stayed for 10 days at a Dead Sea spa .  Physical functioning , FM-related symptoms , and tenderness measurements ( point count and dolorimetry ) were assessed at four time points : prior to arrival at the Dead Sea , after 10 days of treatment , and 1 and 3 months after leaving the spa . Physical functioning and tenderness moderately improved in both groups . With the exception of tenderness threshold , the improvement was especially notable in the treatment group and it persisted even after 3 months . Relief in the severity of FM-related symptoms ( pain , fatigue , stiffness , and anxiety ) and reduced frequency of symptoms ( headache , sleep problems , and subjective joint swelling ) were reported in both groups but lasted longer in the treatment group . In conclusion , treatment of FM at the Dead Sea is effective and safe and may become an additional therapeutic modality in FM . Future studies should address the outcome and possible mechanisms of this treatment in FM patients Abstract : Fibromyalgia ( FS ) is an idiopathic chronic pain syndrome defined by widespread non-articular musculoskeletal pain and generalised tender points . As there is no effective treatment , patients with this condition have impaired quality of life ( QoL ) . The aim of this study was to assess the possible effect of balneotherapy at the Dead Sea area on the QoL of patients with FS . Forty-eight subjects participated in the study ; half of them received balneotherapy , and half did not . Their QoL ( using SF-36 ) , psychological well-being and FS-related symptoms were assessed prior to arrival at the spa hotel in the Dead Sea area , at the end of the 10-day stay , and 1 and 3 months later . A significant improvement was reported on most subscales of the SF-36 and on most symptoms . The improvement in physical aspects of QoL lasted usually 3 months , but on psychological measures the improvement was shorter . Subjects in the balneotherapy group reported higher and longer-lasting improvement than subjects in the control group . In conclusion , staying at the Dead Sea spa , in addition to balneotherapy , can transiently improve the QoL of patients with FS . Other studies with longer follow-up are needed to support our findings OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia ( FMS ) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain , troubled sleep , disturbed mood , and fatigue . Several analgesic strategies have been evaluated but the results are moderate and inconsistent . Antidepressant agents are now considered the treatment of choice in most patients . It has been recently suggested that FMS may be associated with metabolic alterations including a deficit of carnitine . In this multicenter r and omized clinical trial we evaluated the efficacy of acetyl L-carnitine ( LAC ) in patients with overt FMS . METHODS One hundred and two patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS were r and omized into the study . The treatment consisted of 2 capsules/day of 500 mg LAC or placebo plus one intramuscular ( i.m . ) injection of either 500 mg LAC or placebo for 2 weeks . During the following 8 weeks the patients took 3 capsules daily containing either 500 mg LAC or placebo . The patients were seen during treatment after 2 ( visit 3 ) , 6 ( visit 4 ) and 10 weeks ( visit 5 ) . The patients were also visited 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation ( follow-up visit ) . Outcome measures included the number of positive tender points , the sum of pain threshold ( kg/cm2 or " total myalgic score " ) , the Short Form 36 ( SF36 ) , a 100 mm visual analog scale ( VAS ) for self-perceived stiffness , fatigue , tiredness on awakening , sleep , work status , depression , and muscular-skeletal pain , and the Hamilton depression scale . RESULTS The " total myalgic score " and the number of positive tender points declined significantly and equally in both groups until the 6th week of treatment . At the 10th week both parameters remained unchanged in the placebo group but they continued to improve in the LAC group with a statistically significant between-group difference . Most VAS scores significantly improved in both groups . A statistically significant between-group difference was observed for depression and musculo-skeletal pain . Significantly larger improvements in SF36 question naire were observed in LAC than in placebo group for most parameters . Treatment was well-tolerated . CONCLUSION Although this experience deserves further studies , these results indicate that LAC may be of benefit in patients with FMS , providing improvement in pain as well as the general and mental health of these patients Objective : The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of spa therapy in the management of  fibromyalgia .  Methods : Thirty women with fibromyalgia were r and omly assigned to either a spa therapy group or a control group . The spa therapy group ( n = 16 ) had spa treatment for 2 weeks in addition to their medical treatment . The control group ( n = 14 ) continued to have their medical treatment and /or daily exercises . An investigator who was blinded for the intervention assessed all the patients for 9 months . Improvements in Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( FIQ ) , pain and number of tender points were primary outcomes . Secondary outcome measures were improvement in sleep disturbance , fatigue , gastrointestinal symptoms , anxiety , Beck Depression Inventory and patient ’s global evaluation . Results : the spa group was found to be superior to the control group at the end of intervention in terms of FIQ , pain , tender point count , fatigue and patients ’ global assessment . This superiority remained for 6 months in FIQ , 1 month in pain and tender point count . Conclusion : It was concluded that the addition of spa therapy to medical therapy has both short- and long-term beneficial effects in female patients with fibromyalgia OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) is a chronic rheumatological condition which could be characterized by generalized pain and fatigue . Cognitive and behavioral therapy has been found to be a suitable technique in the management of FMS . This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of electromyography ( EMG ) biofeedback to reduce pain in patients with FMS . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A r and omized controlled trial involving two groups of FMS patients , one receiving EMG biofeedback and the other a sham biofeedback  , was carried out . The assessment tools included in the study were fibromyalgia impact question naire ( FIQ ) , visual analogue scale ( VAS ) , six-minute walk test ( SMWT ) and number of tender points ; and tenderness of each tender point was done for both the groups . STATISTICS A Student 's ' t ' test was used to study the test for significance . RESULTS After using biofeedback , the mean VAS scores and the mean number of tender points were found to be 3 out of 10 and 6 out of 18 respectively . Subjective analysis from both groups showed improvement in physical and psychological realms . Statistical significance . CONCLUSION Biofeedback as a treatment modality reduces pain in patients with FMS , along with improvements in FIQ , SMWT and the number of tender points The efficacy of balneotherapy in fibromyalgia syndrome ( FS ) has been well demonstrated , while controlled studies using mud packs are lacking . We performed a r and omized clinical trial to evaluate the effects and the tolerability of mud-bath treatment in FS patients , who are poor responders to pharmacological therapy . Eighty patients with primary FS , according to ACR criteria , were r and omly allocated to two groups : 40 were su bmi tted to a cycle of 12 mud packs and thermal baths  , and 40 were considered as controls .  At baseline , after thermal treatment and after 16 weeks , patients were evaluated by FIQ , tender points count , VAS for “ minor ” symptoms , AIMS 1 and HAQ . Control patients were assessed at the same time periods . A significant improvement of all evaluation parameters after mud-bath therapy and after 16 weeks was observed . Mud packs were well tolerated and no drop-outs were recorded . Our results suggest the efficacy and the tolerability of mud-bath treatment in primary FS Fibromyalgia ( FM ) is a nonarticular rheumatological syndrome associated with diverse clinical and psychological features . One of the major complaints in FM is reduced pain tolerance , especially in tender points ( TP ) for which patients derive significant benefit from nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or corticosteroids .  Patients with FM also have altered reactivity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal ( HPA ) axis where the predominant feature is reduced containment of the stress response system through diminished adrenocortical output and feedback resistance . Our results show that mud packs together with antidepressant treatment are able to influence the HPA axis , stimulating increased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone , cortisol and beta-endorphin serum levels . The discharge of corticoids in the blood and the increase in beta-endorphin serum levels are followed by a reduction in pain symptoms , which is closely related to an improvement in disability , depression and quality of life . It seems that the synergic association between a pharmacological treatment ( trazodone ) and mud packs acts by helping the physiological responses to achieve homeostasis and to rebalance the stress response system . To clarify and optimize the effectiveness of this synergic association , studies involving a larger number of FM patients and a different pharmacological treatment are needed OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by generalized pain , localized tender points , chronic fatigue and nonrestorative sleep . Since sleep disturbances frequently occur in FMS and alpha intrusion in nonrapid eye movement ( NREM ) sleep probably associates with the nonrefreshing sleep , we prospect ively studied the delta and alpha activity and alpha-delta ratio across sleep cycles , performing polysomnography in 10 patients with FMS and in 14 healthy control subjects . METHODS Night long polysomnography recordings  were performed in all subjects .  Sleep scoring was done visually according to Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria . By means of spectral analysis the conventional electroencephalogram ( EEG ) frequency b and s were automatically computed for the all night recordings . For alpha and delta power the integrated and normalized values were calculated for each sleep cycle , the evolution of these activities across successive sleep cycles was studied . RESULTS Alpha-delta patterns occurred in almost all the patients who had also superficial and fragmented sleep with increased awakenings and reduced REM and slow wave sleep . Delta decay across sleep cycles was different in FMS and alpha activity was greater and declined , whereas the controls were persistently low throughout their sleep . Alpha-delta ratio increased progressively in successive sleep cycles ; this was again different from controls . CONCLUSION Patients with FMS presented a high frequency of subjective sleep disturbances , an increased incidence of alpha EEG NREM sleep and clear abnormalities in sleep cycle organization The effect of electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT ) on depression and other symptoms of fibromyalgia was studied in a prospect i ve 3‐month trial in 13 patients with fibromyalgia and concomitant depression . All the patients met the DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia . The Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) and the clinical global impression scale ( CGI ) were used to assess the severity of depression and the clinical change of the patients . The fibromyalgia impact question naire ( FIQ ) was used to evaluate the severity of the fibromyalgia symptoms . The intensity of pain was evaluated using a 6‐point scale ( 0=no pain , 5=very severe pain ) , and tender point palpation . All assessment s were performed at baseline and at follow‐up visits , which took place one week , one month and three months after ECT . There was a significant improvement in depression  after ECT  according to MADRS . Using CGI , six patients were much or very much improved , while four patients were minimally improved and three patients had no change . There was significant improvement in four out of ten FIQ item scores , “ feel good ” , “ fatigue ” , “ anxiety ” and “ depression ” . No significant change was found in the FIQ item scores “ physical function ” , “ pain ” , “ stiffness ” and “ morning tiredness ” or number of tender points and self‐reported pain . We conclude that ECT is a safe and effective treatment for depression in fibromyalgia patients , but has no effect on the pain or other physical symptoms of these patients OBJECTIVE To measure mood and physical function of individuals with fibromyalgia , 6 and 12 months following 23 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise . METHODS This is a followup report of individuals who were previously enrolled in 23 weeks of l and -based and water-based aerobic exercise classes .  Outcomes included the 6-minute walk test , Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) , State-Trait Anxiety Inventory , Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale ( ASES ) , Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( FIQ ) , tender point count , patient global assessment score , and exercise compliance . Outcomes were measured at the start and end of the exercise classes and 6 and 12 months later . RESULTS Analyses were conducted on 29 ( intent-to-treat ) or 18 ( efficacy ) subjects .  Six-minute walk distances and BDI total scores were improved at followup ( all analyses ) . BDI cognitive/affective scores were improved at the end of 23 weeks of exercise ( both analyses ) and at the 12-month followup ( efficacy analysis only ) . BDI somatic scores were improved at 6-month ( both analyses ) and 12-month followup ( intent-to-treat only ) . FIQ and ASES function were improved at all followup points . ASES pain was improved in efficacy analyses only ( all followup points ) . Tender points were unchanged after 23 weeks of exercise and at followup . Exercise duration at followup ( total minutes of aerobic plus anaerobic exercise in the preceding week ) was related to gains in physical function ( 6- and 12-month followup ) and mood ( 6-month followup ) . CONCLUSION Exercise can improve physical function , mood , symptom severity , and aspects of self efficacy for at least 12 months . Exercising at followup was related to improvements in physical function and perhaps mood Low energy lasers are widely used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including fibromyalgia , despite the lack of scientific evidence to support its efficacy . A r and omised , single-blind , placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of low-energy laser therapy in 40 female patients with fibromyalgia . Patients with fibromyalgia were r and omly allocated to active ( Ga-As ) laser or placebo laser treatment daily for two weeks except weekends . Both the laser and placebo laser groups were evaluated for the improvement in pain , number of tender points , skinfold tenderness , stiffness , sleep disturbance , fatigue , and muscular spasm . In both groups , significant improvements were achieved in all parameters ( p<0.05 ) except sleep disturbance , fatigue and skinfold tenderness in the placebo laser group ( p>0.05 ) . It was found that there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to all parameters before therapy whereas a significant difference was observed in parameters as pain , muscle spasm , morning stiffness and tender point numbers in favour of laser group after therapy ( p<0.05 ) . None of the participants reported any side effects . Our study suggests that laser therapy is effective on pain , muscle spasm , morning stiffness , and total tender point number in fibromyalgia and suggests that this therapy method is a safe and effective way of treatment in the cases with fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain , fatigue , non-restorative sleep and cognitive difficulties that affects 2 - 4 % of the general population . Recently a possible relationship between the FMR1 premutation and fibromyalgia has been pointed out . In attempt to gather more data we screened for the  FMR1 CGG expansion 700 DNA sample s from unrelated fibromyalgia patients . This data might be useful for evaluating the incorporation of this test in rheumatologic procedures for women with fibromyalgia . The observed frequency of  FMR1 premutation carriers ( 3 of 700 , 0.4 % ) is not significantly different from the estimated rate in the general female population ( 1/250 - 1/400 ) ( P=0.539 , P=0.716 ) . Clinical examination of the FMR1 premutation carriers identified revealed that all of them had important neurological symptoms with regard to muscular symptoms , neurocognitive alterations and neurovegetative impairments . With regard to other clinical aspects of the disease the cases apparently did not differ from the average fibromyalgia patients . On the basis of our results an FMR1 screening among fibromyalgia female patients would not be recommended . However it would be worthwhile to further evaluate the different clinical presentations that fibromyalgia patients might present based on their FMR1 premutation carrier status OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of a 16-week exercise therapy in a chest-high pool of warm water through applicable tests in the clinical practice on the global symptomatology of women with fibromyalgia ( FM ) and to determine exercise adherence levels . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial . SETTING Testing and training were completed at the university . PARTICIPANTS Middle-aged women with FM ( n=60 ) and healthy women ( n=25 ) . INTERVENTION A 16-week aquatic training program , including strength training , aerobic training , and relaxation exercises . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Tender point count ( syringe calibrated ) , health status ( Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ) ; sleep quality ( Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ) ; physical ( endurance strength to low loads tests ) , psychologic ( State Anxiety Inventory ) , and cognitive function ( Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task ) ; and adherence 12 months after the completion of the study . RESULTS For all the measurements , the patients showed significant deficiencies compared with the healthy subjects . Efficacy analysis ( n=29 ) and intent-to-treat analysis ( n=34 ) of the exercise therapy was effective in decreasing the tender point count and improving sleep quality , cognitive function , and physical function . Anxiety remained unchanged during the follow-up . The exercise group had a significant improvement of health status , not associated exclusively with the exercise intervention . There were no changes in the control group . Twenty-three patients in the exercise group were exercising regularly 12 months after completing the program . CONCLUSIONS An exercise therapy 3 times a week for 16 weeks in a warm pool could improve most of the symptoms of FM and cause a high adherence to exercise in unfit women with heightened FM symptomatology . The therapeutic intervention 's effects can be assessed through applicable tests in the clinical practice
CONCLUSION Study data confirms that spa therapy could improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia including pain , depression and minor symptoms
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain , tenderness at muscle and tendon insertions point when digital pressure is applied , sleep disorders , chronic fatigue , depressive episodes , anxiety , and other functional somatic syndromes .
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether balneotherapy with mineral waters and mineral-water containing mud is effective in the management of  fibromyalgia .