Title: A Comparative Study on the Effect of Yoga and Strengthening Exercises on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women

Authors: Jeba Chitra, Anneri Chheda, Ankita Dessai

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i4.08

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is condition characterised by wide spread pain, fatigue and sleep irregularities. It is more common in women than men. A number of pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments have been noted by researchers and efficacy of physiotherapy to relieve symptoms of Fibromyalgia has also been established previously. However, there is scope to identify an effective treatment for the same employing both conventional and contemporary modalities of therapy like strengthening exercises and yoga. Thus the objective of the study was to compare the effect of yoga and strengthening exercises on the symptoms of fibromyalgia in women. Data collection was done from educational institutions in Belagavi, India. Women between the age group of 18-45 years were screened using the Revised Fibromyalgia Criteria and were recruited for the study. Informed consent, demographic data and scores of Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire were obtained and documented. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups using envelope method. One group was given Yoga and other group was given strengthening exercises for7 days. Post intervention data were obtained and analysed. There was statistical significance in both groups with yoga showing greater effect than strengthening exercises in the improvement of symptoms of fibromyalgia. This study concludes that yoga had better effect than strengthening exercises on the symptoms of fibromyalgia in women and must be practised by subjects with FM to reduce the symptoms as much as possible.

Keywords- Fibromyalgia, Yoga, strengthening exercise, physiotherapy.

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Corresponding Author

Anneri Chheda

Bachelor Degree Holder, Physiotherapist, Department of Physiotherapy,

KLE University’s Institute of  Physiotherapy. Contact info- 07829638525