Effects of Combined Stretching and Strengthening Exercises on Muscle Thickness and Physical Performance in Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background: To evaluate muscle thickness in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to investigate the effects of stretching and strengthening exercises on muscle thickness, strength, pain, and physical performance.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled, single blind study, sixty female patients diagnosed with FMS were randomly assigned into two groups: the exercise group followed with a home exercise program of stretching and strengthening exercises and outdoor walking 5 days a week for 12 weeks, while the control group followed with only outdoor walking 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Ultrasound (US) was used to measure the anterior thigh muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris. Pain levels were assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS), disease activity using the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), grip strength using a dynamometer, and physical performance using the fivetimes sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and the 6-meter walk test (6MWT). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Results: After 12 weeks, NRS, FIQ, FTSST, and right grip strength, left and right anterior thigh muscle thickness were significantly improved (p<0.05) in both groups. The exercise group showed significant improvements in 6MWT and the left-hand grip strength (p<0.001, p<0.001). Comparisons between groups at 12 weeks revealed that the exercise group had significantly better outcomes on the NRS, FIQ, 6MWT, FTSST, left and right grip strength, and left and right anterior thigh muscle thickness (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Stretching and strengthening exercises effectively enhance muscle thickness and physical function while alleviating pain and disease symptoms in patients with FMS.