Effects of Posteroanterior Thoracic Mobilization on Heart Rate Variability and Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia

Author(s)

Reis, Michel Silva ; Quagliotti Durigan, Joao Luiz ; Arena, Ross ; Orsini Rossi, Bruno Rafael ; Mendes, Renata Goncalves ; Borghi-Silva, Audrey

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE; v. 2014, p. 6-pg., 2014-01-01.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with cardiac autonomic abnormalities and pain. Heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced in FM with autonomic tone dominated by sympathetic activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of one session of a posteroanterior glide technique on both autonomic modulation and pain in woman with FM. This was a controlled trial with immediate followup; twenty premenopausal women were allocated into 2 groups: (i) women diagnosed with FM (n = 10) and (ii) healthywomen (n = 10). Both groups received one session ofMaitlandmobilization grade III posteroanterior central pressure glide, at 2Hz for 60 s at each vertebral segment. Autonomic modulation was assessed by HRV and pain by a numeric pain scale before and after the intervention. For HRV analyses, heart rate and RR intervals were recorded for 10 minutes. FMsubjects demonstrated reduced HRV compared to controls. Although the mobilization technique did not significantly reduce pain, it was able to improve HRV quantified by an increase in rMSSD and SD1 indices, reflecting an improved autonomic profile through increased vagal activity. In conclusion, women with FM presented with impaired cardiac autonomic modulation. One session of Maitland spine mobilization was able to acutely improve HRV. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/01842-0 - Analysis of central and peripheral muscle metabolism and adjustments on dynamic versus resistance exercise in coronary arterial disease patients: effects of resistance physical training program based on anaerobic threshold by different methodologies
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants