The effect of two forms of exercise therapy on pain intensity, central sensitisation and quantitative sensory testing in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized clinical trial

People from the association will be informed about this study and will a receive a leaflet with information about the aim, content and duration of the study. Eligibility for study enrolment will be carried out by two physiotherapists with experience with working with patients with fibromyalgia. Study participants will sign an informed consent prior to the start of the study. After study enrolment, participants will be allocated in either the ‘Pilates group’ or the ‘Stretching group’. Groups allocation (two groups of 30 patients) will be carried out by a computerised randomization program (randomized.com) that guarantees concealment for group allocation. A co-worker, not involved in this study will be responsible for this process. Baseline and outcome measures will be taken by physiotherapists blinded for group allocation. Analysis of study data will be carried out by a researcher not involved in this study. The material used for the study was: a manual altimeter, a pressure cuff and electronic support for data recording. The physiotherapist who carried out the intervention was an outsider to whom he collected the data and different from the one who analyzed them. However, all physiotherapists are specialists in fibromyalgia. Participants will complete a program of either Pilates or Stretching exercises for a period of three months. Pilates group A progressive exercise regimen will be given to the participants in the Pilates group. In the first month, sessions will consist of a set of specific Pilates exercises that will be repeated 6 times with a 40 second interval. During the following months, the number of repetitions will be increased to ten with only 15 seconds or rest between exercises. This program will follow the basic principles of the Pilates method with a special emphasis on movements with a low to intermediate difficulty. The frequency and duration of sessions will be 30 minute sessions, twice a week. The therapy will be surperved by a Pilates instructor with a degree in sports science and physiotherapy. The attendance and adherence of the treatment of each patient will be noted in a book of notes. The performance protocol comprises several modules, which will be similar to those described by Altan: basic principles, breathing exercises, posture exercises, neutral position search, sitting exercises, antalgic exercises, stretching exercises and proprioceptivity exercises. Stretching group A stretching program targeting the following muscles will be given twice a week for 3 months: 1) paravertebral-, latissimus-, ischiotibial- ,gluteal muscles, hamstrings, hip adductors and triceps surae. Progression of stretching exercises in this group is: 3 repetitions in week 1 – 4, 4 repetitions in week 5 and 5 repetitions in week 6 – 12. The study will be carry out in fibromyalgia association, Madrid , Spain. Follow-up will be carried out in the assistance of patients to the study. The therapy will be surperved by a Pilates instructor with a degree in sports science and physiotherapy. The attendance and adherence of the treatment of each patient will be noted in a book of notes