Research: CREAMER and colleagues,

Listed in Issue 97

Abstract

CREAMER and colleagues, Complementary Medicine Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA, report on a pilot study of non-pharmacological intervention in fibromyalgia.

Background

A pain management programme that had been developed and found to be effective for chronic back pain was tested on patients with fibromyalgia.

Methodology

28 patients with fibromyalgia were enlisted in the programme of 8 weekly sessions. Each session consisted of education/cognitive-behavioural component, relaxation/meditation training, and instruction in Qi Gong therapy. Patients filled in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire before, after and 4 months after the programme.

Results

20 of the 28 patients completed at least 5 out of 8 sessions of the programme. All improved significantly in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and in tender points and pain threshold. The improvement was sustained 4 months later.

Conclusion

This simple behavioural intervention using large groups can be administered to patients with fibromyalgia and appears to result in sustained benefits in a range of outcomes. Controlled trials are currently being planned.

References

Creamer P, Singh BB, Hochberg MC, Berman BM. Sustained improvement produced by nonpharmacologic intervention in fibromyalgia: results of a pilot study. Arthritis Care and Research 13 (4): 198-204, Aug 2003.

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