People with fibromyalgia often do not exercise because the disease can make activity painful. As a result, many women with fibromyalgia are generally weaker than women without it. That physical deconditioning is believed to contribute to the progression of the disease. This study is the first to examine the possible benefits of resistance exercise for improving knee extension and bicep and grip strength, which can be an indication of physical conditioning.

Pushing the Subjects and the Science

Previous studies about the possible benefit of exercise for people with fibromyalgia were hampered by the reluctance of patients to participate for fear of experiencing pain.

In this study, researchers from Sweden recruited 130 women with fibromyalgia between the ages of 22 and 64 and randomly assigned them to either a resistance training program or a relaxation therapy control group. The participants in the resistance training program were encouraged to design their own weight lifting regimens, under the supervision of a physiotherapist, with an emphasis on improving core stability and power. They were instructed to work out twice a week for 15 weeks and increase the weights incrementally.

In the relaxation therapy group, participants performed mental exercises and slow, relaxed movement. The researchers followed up with participants 13 to 18 months after the beginning of the trial.

Weight Training Improves Pain Tolerance

Participants who were able to lift more weight had significantly better strength and health. Both groups improved their health-related quality of life, with a moderate difference between them regarding strength. The resistance training group also experienced much greater improvement in pain management.

During the follow-up period, both groups increased their level of physical activity and the resistance group continued to have better pain tolerance.

Self-Designed Routine Is Important

The researchers conclude that resistance training at least twice a week is practical for women with fibromyalgia and can improve muscle function, pain tolerance, and participation in daily activities.

A key to the women’s success was devising their own exercise regimens and increasing the weights progressively. Because the positive effects declined after the study’s conclusion, the researchers recommend women be given more guidance and support to encourage them to exercise regularly over the long term.