The effects of progressive muscle relaxation training in addition to the combined exercise training in women with fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training in addition to combined exercise training in women with fibromyalgia. A total of 42 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were invited to the study and were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 21; age= 43.48 ± 7.08 years) and an exercise group (n = 21; age= 40.76 ± 7.97 years). All participated in combined exercise training consisting of aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises under the care of a physiotherapist three times a week for 8 weeks. In addition to exercise group training, progressive muscle relaxation was provided, while the control group received additional rest in a relaxation position. Pain (Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionare (FIQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)); fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)); sleep (Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)); stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)); autonomic functions (heart rate, saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, peripheral-local skin temperature, and Compass-31questionare) and physical condition (6-Minute Walk Test, hand grip test, and sit-and-reach test) were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of training. Significant improvements were observed in VAS, FIQ, PCS, FSS, PSQI, PSS, 6-Minute Walk Test, sit-and-reach test, and hand grip strength parameters in both groups before and after treatment. (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the post-treatment delta values (p>0.05). The exercise group demonstrated improvements in respiratory rate and COMPASS-31 total and vasomotor subscores compared with the control group (p<0.05). Based on these results, both rest in a relaxation position added to combined exercise training and progressive muscle relaxation training added to combined exercise training were found to have positive effects on pain, fatigue, sleep, stress, autonomic dysfunction, and physical fitness. Progressive muscle relaxation training in addition to combined exercise demonstrated greater beneficial effects on respiratory depth and autonomic symptoms in women with fibromyalgia. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that combined exercise and progressive muscle relaxation training contribute to symptom management in women with fibromyalgia. KEYWORDS: Fibromyalgia, Aerobic Exersise, Strengthening exercises, Progressive muscle relaxation training, Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.