Comparison of two different exercise programs in women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of callisthenic exercises and conventional strengthening and stretching exercises in patients who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Materials and methods: Our study was conducted on 27 subjects with FMS. Subjects were divided into two groups. First group was given callisthenic exercises; second group was given strengthening, stretching and posture exercises for upper neck and back muscles three times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the exercise program; tender point score, physical functioning level, quality of life, flexibility and grip strength was evaluated. Results: Mean age of the subjects in the first group was 47.5 +/- 8.8 years and in the second group 47.9 +/- 10.9 years. After the exercise program physical functioning, tender point score, flexibility, grip strength and SF-36 parameters (besides general and mental health parameters) showed significant improvement in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, there were improvements in physical functioning, tender point score, flexibility, grip strength and quality of life in both exercise groups.