Fitness for People With Fibromyalgia

Do you work with a client who has fibromyalgia? Here’s some good news: In a study of 466 women with fibromyalgia, researchers found that those with higher levels of overall fitness also experienced higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Spanish researchers from various institutions conducted the study to determine which components of fitness would be most valuable to target in people with fibromyalgia.

Investigators assessed flexibility, muscle strength, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness among women with fibromyalgia. Results showed not only that people with the highest levels of fitness enjoyed the highest HRQoL but also that muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness were independent indicators of HRQoL. Only women were included in the study, since fibromyalgia primarily affects women.

The study is available in Physical Therapy (2019; doi:10.1093/ptj/pzz113).