Acupuncture vs. Core Stability Training in Women With Fibromyalgia

Objective:

This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training Physiotherapy programme versus Acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia.

Design:

A single-blind randomized clinical controlled trial.

Setting:

University of Extremadura and Olivenza Fibromyalgia Association, Spain

Subjects:

Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment.

Interventions:

135 Participants were randomized to a core stability training physiotherapy programme group (n=45), an acupuncture treatment group (n=45) and control group (n=45) for 13 weeks.

Main Measures:

Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), post intervention (week 6) and at follow up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Test, Time Up and Go test and 10-metre walk) and functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire (FHAQ) and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (SFIQ)).The secondary outcome measure were quality of life (Spanish- Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), pain, joint stiffness, difficulty to work and depression (measured with the visual analogue scale).

Inclusion criteria

• women between 18 and 71 years old,
• diagnosed with Fibromialgia by a specialized physician,
• having subjective sensation of balance impairments.

Exclusion criteria

• The exclusion criteria were to present any medical contraindication for acupuncture and/or physiotherapy, phobia of needles, adverse reactions to medication that could influence in balance, associated pathologies such as alcoholism or severe visual deficit, to have receive acupuncture or core stability based physiotherapy in the two months previous to the intervention and to do physical exercises that train core stability such as Pilates or Yoga