Although some systematic review s have not established an unequivocal benefit of physical training , most authors report a benefit for patients with chronic pain or fatigue .
OBJECTIVE To review the published information on physical training for fibromyalgia ( FM ) and related syndromes .
Comparison of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities.
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ) , fibromyalgia ( FM ) , and multiple chemical sensitivities ( MCS ) are conditions associated with fatigue and a variety of other symptoms that appear to share many clinical and demographic features . Our objectives were to describe the similarities and differences among patients with CFS , FM , and MCS . Additional objectives were to determine how frequently patients with MCS and FM met the criteria for CFS and if they differed in their health locus of control . METHODS  Demographic , clinical , and psychosocial measures were prospect ively collected in 90 patients , 30 each with CFS , FM , and MCS . Patients were recruited from a university-based referral clinic devoted to the evaluation and treatment of chronic fatigue and three private practice s. Variables included demographic features , symptoms characteristic of each condition , psychological complaints , a measure of health locus of control , and information on health care use .  RESULTS Overall , the three patient groups were remarkably similar in demographic characteristics and the presence of specific symptoms . Patients with CFS and FM frequently reported symptoms compatible with MCS .  Likewise , 70 % of patients with FM and 30 % of those with MCS met the criteria for CFS . Health care use was substantial among patients with CFS , FM , and MCS , with an average of 22.1 , 39.7 , and 23.3 visits , respectively , to a medical provider during the prior year . Health locus of control did not differ among the three population s. CONCLUSIONS In general , demographic and clinical factors and health locus of control do not clearly distinguish patients with CFS , FM , and MCS . Symptoms typical of each disorder are prevalent in the other two conditions
Although some systematic review s have not established an unequivocal benefit of physical training , most authors report a benefit for patients with chronic pain or fatigue .
OBJECTIVE To review the published information on physical training for fibromyalgia ( FM ) and related syndromes .