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A pilot study of body awareness programs in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome

  1. Sally Aspegren Kendall1,*,
  2. Kerstin Brolin-Magnusson2,
  3. Birgitta Sören1,
  4. Björn Gerdle1,
  5. Karl Gustav Henriksson1

Article first published online: 15 MAY 2001

DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(200010)13:5<304::AID-ANR10>3.0.CO;2-P

Issue

Arthritis Care & Research

Arthritis Care & Research

Volume 13, Issue 5, pages 304–311, October 2000

Additional Information

How to Cite

Aspegren Kendall, S., Brolin-Magnusson, K., Sören, B., Gerdle, B. and Henriksson, K. G. (2000), A pilot study of body awareness programs in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Care & Research, 13: 304–311. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200010)13:5<304::AID-ANR10>3.0.CO;2-P

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping, and Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, University Hospital Linköping, Sweden

  2. 2

    Fysioteket, Billdal, Sweden

*Faculty of Health Sciences, INR, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 MAY 2001
  2. Article first published online: 15 MAY 2001
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 17 JUN 2000
  4. Manuscript Received: 20 JAN 2000

Funded by

  • Sven Johansson Foundation
  • Swedish Association for the Furtherance of the Mensendieck System

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Keywords:

  • Fibromyalgia;
  • Mensendieck system;
  • Body awareness therapy;
  • Pain

Abstract

Objective

To compare in a pilot study the effect of two physical therapies, the Mensendieck system (MS) and body awareness therapy (BAT) according to Roxendal, in fibromyalgia patients and to investigate differences in effect between the two interventions.

Methods

Twenty female patients were randomized to either MS or BAT in a program lasting 20 weeks. Evaluations were tender point examination and questionnaires, including visual analog scales (pain intensity at worst site, muscular stiffness, evening fatigue, and global health), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Quality of Life Scales, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), and disability before, immediately after, and at 6 and 18 months followup.

Results

The BAT group had improved global health at 18 months followup, but lower results than the MS group. The MS group had improved FIQ, ASES other symptoms, and pain at worst site at 18 months followup.

Conclusion

In the present pilot study, MS was associated with more positive changes than BAT.

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