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Aeotiolgy Fibromyalgia is an incurable rheumatological syndrome with no known cause (Ayan, Martin, Alonso-Cortes, Valencia & Barrientos, 2006) which can affect both men and women, although around 80% of diagnosed individuals are women aged 20 – 55 years (Meyer & Lemley, 2003). It is also not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia (Radomski & Trombly-Latham, 2008). Symptoms& Diagnosis The three main symptoms of fibromyalgia consist of soft tissue pain covering a wide area of the body, and commonly coupled with fatigue and poor sleep patterns/non restorative sleep (Radomski & Trombly-Latham, 2008) associated to pain. It is suggested that as a consequence of the main symptoms, many more associated conditions can co-exist with fibromyalgia. A number of studies have documented associations of depression, irritable bowel syndrome, overactive bladder, mood disorders, among others (Bennett, 2005; Leventhal, 1999). To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia a patient must have had pain for at least three months in at least three quadrants of the body, additionally there must also be pain in 11 of the specific tender points bilaterally as well as upper and lower body (Bennett, 2005). The palpation force used on each tender point is 4kg/cm (Leventhal, 1999). The patient must also have pain in the axial skeleton, defined as pain in the cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine or lower back (Leventhal, 1999). Due to the many associated conditions that occur with fibromyalgia, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was developed by members of the fibromyalgia treatment team at the Oregon Health & Sciences University in order to capture the full impact of the condition on patient’s lives (Bennett, 2005). Treatment Treatment for fibromyalgia is quite limited with one report suggesting that fewer than 50% of patients experience adequate symptom relief (through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions) (Leventhal, 1999). Pharmacological interventions such as antidepressants are used to treat symptoms such as poor sleep, depression, pain and anxiety. Non-pharmacological interventions include exercise, hypnotherapy, biofeedback and acupuncture (Leventhal, 1999). It is generally accepted that the best approach to fibromyalgia treatment is a combination of interventions including some form of exercise (Meyer & Lumley, 2003; Wilgen, Bloten & Oeseburg, 2007). Exercise treatment for fibromyalgia needs to focus on merely restoring and maintaining functional ability and has been found to have numerous benefits including: reduced number of tender points, lower general pain, improved sleep patterns, improved activities of daily living, and less fatigue (Meyer & Lumley, 2003). Assessment of fitness Specific considerations with regard to sport and exercise participation Availability of community health support Community support is available by contacting the Arthritis foundation who will then give contact details for a local FM support group. References Ayan, C., Martin, V., Alonso-Cortes, B., Valencia, M., & Barrientos, MJ. (2006). Relationship between aerobic fitness and quality of life in female fibromyalgia patients. Clinical Rehabilitation, 21, 1109-1113. Bennett, R. (2005). The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ): a review of its development, current version, operating characteristics and uses. Clinical and Experimental Rhuematology, 23 (39), 154-162. Leeden, J. (2003). Ancient or modern problem? Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. New Zealand Pharmacy Journal, 1, Retrieved May 1, 2009 from http://www.voxau.com/fib/fibro/75fibro.htm Meyer, B., & Lemley, K. (2003). Fibromyalgia._In Durstine, L., & Moore, G. (Eds.) ACSM’s exercise management for persons with chronic diseases and disabilities (2nd ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Leventhal, L. (1999). Management of fibromyalgia. Annals of Internal Medicine, 131 (11), 850-858. Radomski, M., & Trombly-Latham, C. (2008). Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (6th ed.) Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Wilgen, P., Bloten, H., & Oeseburg, B. (2007). Results of a multidisciplinary program for patients with fibromyalgia implemented in the primary care. Disability and Rehabilitation, 29 (15), 1207-1213. Clothing Alterations Hamilton NZ
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