Conclusion The main results included reduction in pain , fatigue , number of tender points , depression , and anxiety , with increased functional capacity and quality of life .
Background Fibromyalgia ( FM ) is characterized by chronic and generalized musculoskeletal pain .
There is currently no cure for FM , but palliative treatments are available .
One type of treatment is strength training ( ST ) .
However , there is a need for more information on optimal training protocol s , intensity , and volume needed to improve symptoms .
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ST in the treatment of FM through a systematic review of experimental research .
Resistance exercise training improves heart rate variability in women with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia ( FM ) is characterized by generalized muscle pain , low muscle strength and autonomic dysfunction . Heart rate ( HR ) variability ( HRV ) is reduced in individuals with FM increasing their risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality . We tested the hypothesis that resistance exercise training ( RET ) improves HRV , baroreflex sensitivity ( BRS ) and muscle strength in women with FM . Women with FM ( n = 10 ) and healthy controls ( n = 9 ) , aged 27–60 years , were compared at baseline . Only women with FM underwent supervised RET 2 days per week for 16 weeks . Baseline and post‐training measurements included HRV and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity ( BRS , alpha index ) from continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure ( BP ) recorded with finger plethysmography during 5 min in the supine position . RR interval , total power , log transformed ( Ln ) squared root of the st and ard deviation of RR interval ( RMSSD ) , low‐frequency power and BRS were lower ( P<0·05 ) , and HR and pulse pressure were higher ( P<0·05 ) in women with FM than in healthy controls . After RET , mean ( SEM ) total power increased ( 387 ± 170 ms2 , P<0·05 ) , RMSSD increased ( 0·18 ± 0·08 Ln ms , P<0·05 ) and Ln of high‐frequency power increased ( 0·54 ± 0·27 Ln ms2 , P = 0·08 ) in women with FM . Upper and lower body muscle strength increased by 63 % and 49 % ( P<0·001 ) , and pain perception decreased by 39 % in women with FM . There were no changes in BRS , HR and BP after RET . Our study demonstrates that RET  improves total power , cardiac parasympathetic tone , pain perception and muscle strength in women with FM who had autonomic dysfunction before the exercise programme
Conclusion The main results included reduction in pain , fatigue , number of tender points , depression , and anxiety , with increased functional capacity and quality of life .
Background Fibromyalgia ( FM ) is characterized by chronic and generalized musculoskeletal pain .
There is currently no cure for FM , but palliative treatments are available .
One type of treatment is strength training ( ST ) .
However , there is a need for more information on optimal training protocol s , intensity , and volume needed to improve symptoms .
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ST in the treatment of FM through a systematic review of experimental research .