Open AccessSustained improvement produced by nonpharmacologic intervention in fibromyalgia: Results of a pilot study
Author(s) -
Creamer Paul,
Singh Betsy B.,
Hochberg Marc C.,
Berman Brian M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
arthritis care & research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/1529-0131(200008)13:4<198::aid-anr4>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - fibromyalgia , physical therapy , medicine , meditation , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , relaxation (psychology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry , philosophy , theology
Objective The aim of this pilot study was to examine the practicality ofdelivering a package of nonpharmacologic, behavioral‐based treatment,previously found to be effective in chronic back pain, to patients withfibromyalgia (FM) and to assess the efficacy of the intervention usinga range of outcome measures up to 4 months posttreatment. Methods Participants with FM (n = 28) formed a single group for 8 sessionsat weekly intervals. Each session comprised aneducation/cognitive–behavioral component, formal relaxation/meditationtraining, and instruction in a Chinese movement therapy (Qi Gong). Results Twenty of 28 subjects completed at least 5 of the 8 sessions.Significant improvement was seen in the Fibromyalgia ImpactQuestionnaire and a range of other outcome measures including tenderpoints and pain threshold. Improvement was sustained 4 months after theend of the intervention. Conclusion A simple behavioral intervention using large groups can be administeredto subjects with FM and appears to produce sustained benefit in a rangeof outcomes. Controlled trials are currently being planned.