Chronic widespread pain and physical activity in fibromyalgia: a systematic review

Mayana, Kabir; Prior, Yeliz

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterised by chronic widespread pain (CWP). Guidelines for the management of FM identifies exercise as the primary intervention. However, low exercise tolerance is a barrier for individuals with FM to adhere to such interventions. Objective. To systematically review the literature to identify the mechanisms which drive the relationship between physical activity and CWP in people with FM to provide target for behavioural interventions. Methods. Following the Prisma guidelines, the review aimed to capture all studies published to date, via a computerised search of Cochrane library, Medline Ebsco, Web of Science, Pedro, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, and Psych INFO databases. Interventional and observational studies investigating associations between physical activity and CWP in people with FM, published in English were included from earliest to November 2018. Quality assessment was assessed by two researchers independently using the Joanna Briggs checklists. Results. Fourteen studies (7 cross-sectional: 7 RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed using a narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of outcome measures used. The quality ratings ranged from moderate to low. The relationship between physical activity behaviour and CWP was unclear. Most studies did not consider the role of personal, contextual and environmental factors. Sleep disturbance and sedentary behaviour was strongly associated with increased pain and fatigue. Conclusion. There is a paucity of research considering the mechanisms which the relationship between physical activity and CWP in people with FM. There is a need to further explore this relationship from a biopsychosocial perspective to target behavioural interventions.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: The International Congress on Controversies in Fibromyalgia
• Start Date: Mar 4, 2019
• End Date: Mar 5, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2023
• Publisher URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336771542_Chronic_widespread_pain_and_Physical_Activity_in_Fibromyalgia_a_systematic_review