Biofeedback/relaxation training and exercise interventions for fibromyalgia:A prospective trial.

Compared the effectiveness of biofeedback/relaxation, exercise, and a combined program for the treatment of fibromyalgia. 108 women and 11 men (mean age 44 yrs) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: 1) biofeedback/relaxation training, 2) exercise training, 3) a combination treatment, or 4) an educational/attention control program. Outcome measures were taken immediately after the 6-wk intervention, and at 3-mo, 1-yr, and 2-yr followups. All 3 treatment groups produced improvements in self-efficacy for function relative to the control condition. In addition, all treatment groups were significantly different from the control group on tender point index scores, reflecting a modest deterioration by the attention control group rather than improvements by the treatment groups. The exercise and combination groups also showed modest improvements on a physical activity measure. The combination group best maintained benefits across the 2-yr period. This study demonstrates that these 3 treatment interventions result in improved self-efficacy for physical function which was best maintained by the combination group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)