The effects of different exercise programs on physical and psychological parameters of the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. There are various treatment modalities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pool-based, gymnastic based and home-based aerobic exercise programs on physical and psychological parameters of the patients with FS. A total of 75 patients with FS according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were included the study. All patients were women. Ages ranged between 18-50. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups. Group I (n: 25) were prescribed home-based exercise program lasting 15 minutes per day. Group II (n: 25) attended gymnastic-based aerobic exercise program with group therapy two times per week. Group III (n: 25) attended pool-based aerobic exercise program with group therapy two times per week. Gymnastic-based and pool ?based aerobic exercise programs lasted 40 minutes in first month, 45 minutes in the second month and 50 minutes in the third month. All exercise programs lasted 3 months. Patients were evaluated by the number of tender points, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the 6- minute walk test, SF-36 physical and mental health scores and Beck depression inventory. In Group II (gymnastic-based aerobic exercise group) and in Group III (pool-based aerobic exercise group), VAS, FIQ, the 6-minute walk test, SF-36 physical and mental health scores and Beck depression inventory showed significant improvement after the exercise program as compared with the baseline values (p<0.05). Pool-based exercise program (Group III) have some additional effects in SF-36 mental health score and depression than gymnastic-based exercise program (Group II) (p<0.05). In Group I (home-based exercise program) non of the parameters showed any improvement after the program as compared with the baseline values (p>0.05). The results of this study showed that pool-based exercise program and gymnastic-based exercise program have good effects on physical and psychological parameters in the treatment of FS. Pool-Based exercise program has also additional effect on symptoms. Key Words: Fibromyalgia syndrome, Pool-Based Exercise, Exercise, Aerobic Exercise