Faculty Collaboration Database

Pain perception after isometric exercise in women with fibromyalgia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011 Jan;92(1):89-95

Date

12/29/2010

Pubmed ID

21187210

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2010.10.006

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-78650650202 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   70 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify exercise protocols incorporating isometric contractions that provide pain relief in women with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN: A before-after trial.

SETTING: A physical therapy department in an academic setting.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen women (mean ± SD, 52±11y) with fibromyalgia.

INTERVENTIONS: Subjects completed 4 sessions: 1 familiarization and 3 experimental. The following randomized experimental sessions involved the performance of isometric contractions with the elbow flexor muscles that varied in intensity and duration: (1) 3 maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), (2) 25% MVC held to task failure, and (3) 25% MVC held for 2 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experimental pain (pain threshold and pain rating), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and fibromyalgia pain intensity (visual analog scale).

RESULTS: After all 3 isometric contractions, there was considerable variability between subjects in the pain response. Based on the changes in experimental pain, subjects were divided into 3 groups (increase, decrease, no change in pain). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, baseline experimental pain, and change in fibromyalgia pain intensity were significant predictors of the experimental pain response after the isometric contractions.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified subgroups of women with fibromyalgia based on how they perceived pain after isometric contractions. The greatest pain relief for women with fibromyalgia occurred at a younger age and in women with the greatest experimental pain before exercise. Additionally, we established a link between experimental and clinical pain relief after the performance of isometric contractions.

Author List

Hoeger Bement MK, Weyer A, Hartley S, Drewek B, Harkins AL, Hunter SK

Authors

April Harkins PhD Assistant Professor in the Clinical Laboratory Science department at Marquette University
Marie Hoeger Bement MPT,PhD Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Age Factors
Exercise Therapy
Female
Fibromyalgia
Heart Rate
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Isometric Contraction
Middle Aged
Pain Perception
Pain Threshold
Saliva
Surveys and Questionnaires
Time Factors