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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07591766

Aerobic Dance Exercises in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic dance exercises on patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to compare these effects with those of conventional postural exercises.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic dance exercises on patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to compare these effects with those of conventional postural exercises. A total of 44 female participants were included. Group-1 (n=22) received aerobic dance exercises twice a week for eight weeks, while Group-2 (n=22) was given a conventional postural exercise program as a home-based intervention with the same duration and frequency. To evaluate the participants, the following assessment tools were used: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, Short Form-36, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and Fatigue Severity Scale. Both groups showed significant improvements in nearly all parameters after the intervention (p<0.05).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • diagnosis of FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria
  • being female between the ages of 18 and 65
  • having the physical capacity to exercise

Exclusion criteria

  • unstable angina pectoris with severe dyspnea that would prevent exercise
  • the presence of any neurological or orthopedic disease other than FMS

Treatment and study plan

Aerobic Dance Exercises

Other

The aerobic protocol for Group-1 was divided into four distinct phases: warm-up, endurance training, stretching, and cooling down. These sessions were led by a physiotherapist in groups of five, using music to guide the exercise rhythm. Initial warm-ups lasted 5 to 7 minutes and involved stationary marching and stepping patterns. A 20-minute core segment followed, featuring group dance movements that incorporated various torso and limb rotations. Cardiovascular challenge was integrated through 5 minutes of rapid-paced dance. The program ended with a 5-minute cool-down period where participants gradually reduced their activity level in alignment with a slowing musical tempo.

conventional exercises

Other

To improve muscle balance and protect spinal integrity, Group-2 performed conventional posture exercises targeting the neck, back, core, and shoulders. This routine, a common clinical approach for individuals with FMS, was conducted as a home-based program with a frequency of two sessions per week. To ensure compliance and track progress, each participant utilized a dedicated exercise diary to record their activities throughout the study.

Primary outcomes

  1. Fibromyalgia Impact Scale

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    To measure the impact of the disease on daily life, a 20-question assessment tool was utilized, focusing on domains such as physical capacity, occupational health, and psychological well-being. Additionally, the scale screens for pain intensity, stiffness, sleep quality, and overall vitality. The scoring system is structured such that higher results indicate more pronounced symptoms and lower functional capacity, while lower scores reflect better health status. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disease impact and poorer functional status.

  2. McGill-Melzack Pain Scale

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    To characterize the nature and intensity of the pain, the McGill-Melzack scale was utilized. This assessment encompasses a detailed analysis of pain topography, its sensory qualities, and duration. It also accounts for specific triggers or modifiers of pain frequency. Scoring is interpreted such that higher cumulative values reflect more profound pain symptoms and increased clinical severity.Total scores range from 0 to 78, with higher scores indicating greater pain severity and pain-related distress

Secondary outcomes

  1. Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The Short Form-36 Health Survey is a comprehensive 36-item questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life, including physical functioning, psychosocial functioning, pain, and mental health status. Each subscale is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better functional status and improved overall health-related quality of life.

  2. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The PSQI was utilized to measure participants' self-reported sleep quality and related disturbances. The scale comprises 19 items that form seven sub-scores, which are then aggregated into a single global score between 0 and 21. While lower scores are indicative of better sleep quality, a cumulative score higher than five is clinically interpreted as a sign of significant sleep dysfunction.

  3. Beck Depression Inventory

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    To evaluate participants' depressive states, the BDI, which consists of 21 questions, was utilized. Each item is scored between 0 and 3, and the total score is used to determine the intensity of the symptoms. Clinical classifications were made based on the total score: 0-9 points as no depression, 10-16 points as mild, 17-23 points as moderate, and any value 24 or above as severe depression.

  4. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form will be used to assess participants' physical activity levels. The questionnaire evaluates the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity activity, vigorous-intensity activity, and sedentary behavior over the last 7 days. Total physical activity is calculated in metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week. Higher scores indicate higher levels of physical activity.

  5. Fatigue Severity Scale

    Time frame: change from baseline at 8 weeks

    To evaluate the impact of fatigue, the FSS, which views fatigue severity as a single-dimensional construct, was administered. Participants responded to nine statements using a scoring range from 1 to 7. The overall fatigue score was derived from the average of these ratings; consequently, an increase in the total score indicates a greater level of perceived fatigue.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Aerobic Dance Exercises in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
May 18, 2026
Registry last updated
May 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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