EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT EXERCISES ON PAIN MODULATION IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

• Grant number: 22/16649-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Mariana Arias Avila Vera
• Grantee: Thayná Soares de Melo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain. It is estimated that about 5% of the world population is affected by FM, being prevalent in females. Among the non-pharmacological treatments is physical exercise. The analgesia produced from strength training and aerobic exercise act on the release of neurotransmitters and endogenous opioids, in view of this, the present study starts from the question: in terms of exercise-induced analgesia, are there differences between the strength training and the aerobic exercise? Thus, under the hypothesis that different exercise programs promote different biological adaptations, the aim of this study is to compare pain modulation in patients with fibromyalgia before and immediately after the physical exercise session (in the 1st and 8th session), and to verify if there are differences in the outcomes of strength versus aerobic training. Methods: Experimental study, in which we will include patients with FM divided into two groups: aerobic exercise and strength training. We will assess the impact of FM, pain level, sleep quality, anxiety and depression, kinesiophobia, the Wind-up mechanism, the diffuse nociceptive inhibitory control and the muscle strength. The aerobic training group will consist of a 40-minute walk on the treadmill at light intensity, established by the walking speed corresponding to 60% of the maximum heart rate; in turn, the strength training group will perform strength training at moderate intensity (equivalent to 50% of maximum strength). The protocol will be 2x a week for 1 month. Expected Results: Based on the understanding of the effects of this intervention on pain modulation, we will advance both in the science of nonpharmacological treatments for FM and in the promotion of health and quality of life for this population.