Biofeedback/relaxation training and exercise interventions for fibromyalgia: a prospective trial.
1998 Jun
Journal Article
Authors:
Buckelew, S.P.;
Conway, R.;
Parker, J.;
Deuser, W.E.;
Read, J.;
Witty, T.E.;
Hewett, J.E.;
Minor, M.;
Johnson, J.C.;
Van Male, L.;
McIntosh, M.J.;
Nigh, M.;
Kay, D.R.
Secondary:
Arthritis Care Res
Volume:
11
Pagination:
196-209
Issue:
3
PMID:
9782811
Keywords:
Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Biofeedback, Psychology; Combined Modality Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Female; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Prospective Studies; Relaxation Therapy; Treatment Outcome
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of biofeedback/relaxation, exercise, and a combined program for the treatment of fibromyalgia.METHODS: Subjects (n = 119) were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: 1) biofeedback/relaxation training, 2) exercise training, 3) a combination treatment, or 4) an educational/attention control program.RESULTS: All 3 treatment groups produced improvements in self-efficacy for function relative to the control condition. In addition, all treatment groups were significantly different from the control group on tender point index scores, reflecting a modest deterioration by the attention control group rather than improvements by the treatment groups. The exercise and combination groups also resulted in modest improvements on a physical activity measure. The combination group best maintained benefits across the 2-year period.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that these 3 treatment interventions result in improved self-efficacy for physical function which was best maintained by the combination group.
