Acute Effects of Resistance Training and Pilates in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Crossover Pilot Study.

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive and affective symptoms.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of Resistance Training (RT) and Pilates on pain, functional impact, flexibility, and health-related quality of life in individuals with FM.

Methods

In this randomized crossover pilot study, eight adults (7 females, 1 male; mean age: 48.5 ± 8.2 years) with a clinical diagnosis of FM participated. Each participant performed both RT and Pilates sessions in a randomized order. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24 h post-intervention using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Wells sit-and-reach test (WELLS). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests, with effect sizes (η2p and Cohen's d) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No formal sample size calculation was performed.

Results

Participants presented a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2 and time since diagnosis of 6.2 ± 3.1 years. Within-subject variations were observed following both interventions. FIQ scores decreased at 24 h after both RT and Pilates sessions (RT: 52.21 ± 18.61; Pilates: 45.50 ± 18.63; p = 0.038, η2p = 0.42, 95% CI [-12.5, -1.2]).

Conclusions

Both Resistance Training and Pilates acutely reduced overall disease impact in individuals with fibromyalgia, with Pilates promoting superior acute gains in posterior chain flexibility.