EFFECTS OF AN AEROBIC EXERCISE PROTOCOL ASSOCIATED WITH SYSTEMIC PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON PAIN LEVEL AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA: A RANDOMIZED, BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL.

• Grant number: 25/11656-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Helena Mayumi Akashi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, multisymptomatic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunctions, and psychological issues, with a higher prevalence in women. Aerobic exercises and photobiomodulation (PBM) have been shown to be effective in alleviating pain and improving functional performance in these patients. However, there is still no evidence regarding the effects of PBM using intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) combined with physical activity for the treatment of individuals with FM. ILIB involves the intravascular irradiation of blood with laser light, which has positive systemic effects on inflammation modulation and pain reduction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of combining aerobic exercise with ILIB on pain relief and functional capacity in women with FM. For this purpose, women diagnosed with FM will be recruited and randomized into two groups: active ILIB and exercise group and placebo ILIB and exercise group. Before the first session and after the last treatment session, pain will be assessed using an algometer and the Numerical Pain Scale, and functional capacity will be evaluated through the 6-Minute Walk Test and Timed Up and Go Test. Aerobic exercise interventions will involve stationary cycling with gradual load increase, and active or placebo ILIB laser application will be administered over 12 weeks, twice a week. The study will use a significance level of 5%.