THU0324 Is Balance Training Exercise Program Effective in Fibromiyalgia Syndrome?
Authors: S. Kibar, E. Yıldız, S. Ay, D. Evcik
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> Central nervous system dysfunction in fibromiyalgia syndrome (FMS) may affect other sensorimotor functions of the patients, besides widespread pain. Balance disorder in FMS was stated in a few studies. <h3>Objectives</h3> To determine the effectiveness of the balance training exercise program in FMS and to find out the factors that associate with balance disorders in FMS. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 68 patients, aged 18-65, diagnosed with FMS, joined in 6 weeks exercise program. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 (n=35) recieved flexibility exercises (15 min./day), balance exercises recommended by American Sport College (20 min./day) for 5 days a week and static (5min./day) and dynamic (5min./day) balance training with Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT) 4000 device for 3 days a week (each one 5 min./day). Group 2 (n=33) received only flexibility program for 5 days a week. Patients were evaluated by means of balance, fall risk,functional level, quality of life and depression. Functional balance was measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), dynamic and static balance were assessed by Sport Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT) 4000 device. Fall risk of the patients was specified by Hendrich II Fall Risk Model. Fibromiyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Nottingham Health Profile were used to determine functional level and quality of life and Beck Depression Inventory was applied to evaluate depression level. The assesments were performed at baseline and after six week at end of the exercise program. <h3>Results</h3> Exercise program was accomplished by 57 patients and there were no significant differences between group 1 (n=28, mean age=48.11±13.42) and group 2 (n=29, mean age=48.17±12.68) according to sociodemographic characteristics. In balance exercise group statistical significant improvements were observed in all parameters (p&lt;0.05), however there was no improvement in flexibility exercise group (p&gt;0.05) at sixth weeks. In the comparison of two groups, there were significant differences in balance group for KAT 4000 static balance (p=0.017) and FIQ measurements (p=0.005). Additionally negative correlation was shown between depression levels and BBS (r= -0.434, p&lt;0.01), where as depression level was also correlated with fall risk (r=0.357, p&lt;0.01). <h3>Conclusions</h3> A 6-week balance training program has found to have beneficial effect on static balance and functional level in patients with FMS, however it has no effect on dynamic and functional balance, and quality of life. It was observed that depression is correlated with balance deficit and fall risk. <h3>References</h3> Russek LN, Fulk GD. Pilot study assessing balance in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Physiother Theory Pract. 2009 Nov;25(8):555-65. Staud R. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia: pain in fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(3):208. Jones KD, Horak FB, Winters-Stone K, Irvine JM, Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia is associated with impaired balance and falls. J Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Feb;15(1):16-21. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> : None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4211