Author(s): ALBUQUERQUE, M.L., ALVAREZ, M.1, MONTEIRO, D.2,3, ANDRADE, A.4, MARINHO, D.1,2, NEIVA, H.1,2, Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BEIRA INTERIOR, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 392

INTRODUCTION:
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, but it also affects muscular performance and postural control [1]. This pilot study aimed to analyze the effects of 8 weeks of online resistance training and 4 weeks of detraining, on physical fitness, postural balance, and fibromyalgia impact.
METHODS:
Seven bodyweight resistance exercises were performed 2x/week for 8 weeks with sessions lasting 50 to 75 minutes (1 to 8: 3 sets of 8 repetitions and 9 to 16: 5 sets of 6 repetitions). A maximal intended velocity was prioritized for intensity and the Borg scale was used to monitor perceived effort during practice [2]. Four volunteers (50.5±6.4 years old) completed the training program with three assessments: at baseline (week 0), after the training program (week 8), and after four weeks of detraining (week 12). Physical fitness was assessed by countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jumps with free arms (CMJFA) using a force plate (PS-2142) (PASCO® Scientific, Roseville, CA) and the 2kg medicine ball throwing test (MBT). The disease’s severity was assessed by Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The force plate was also used to record postural balance in two different conditions (eyes open and eyes closed). Centre of Pressure (COP) mean velocity and COP displacement were used as postural balance variables.
RESULTS:
All volunteers improved their CMJ (between 11% and 63%) after 8 weeks of resistance training. Three participants improved CMJFA (between 6 % and 33%), the distance at the MBT (between 2% and 42%) and reduced the FIQ (between 4% and 44%). Two out of four participants showed better balance control in COP velocity eyes open (7% and 10%) and COP displacement eyes open (6% and 9%). At week 12, all participants showed a loss of previously acquired benefits in the variables FIQ (between 7% and 32%), COP velocity (between 13% and 32%), and COP displacement (between 13% and 34%). Two of four participants showed a reduction in CMJ (between 6% and 15%), and two showed a reduction of up to 8% in the CMJFA. In MBT, one participant had a reduction of 4%.
CONCLUSION:
This pilot study showed promising results regarding implementing online resistance training in fibromyalgia participants, suggesting the benefits of balance with eyes open, physical fitness, and a reduction of fibromyalgia impact. Nevertheless, the training cessation caused the loss of previous gains and highlighted the importance of regular exercise in these populations.
References
1. Jones, K.D., Horak, F.B., Winters-Stone, K., Irvine, J.M., and Bennett, R.M., Fibromyalgia is associated with impaired balance and falls. J Clin Rheumatol, 2009. 15(1): pp. 16-21.
2. Albuquerque, M.L.L., Monteiro, D., Alvarez, M.C., Vilarino, G.T., Andrade, A., and Neiva, H.P., Effects of strength training in fibromyalgia on balance, neuromuscular performance, and symptomatic analysis: a 12-week study protocol. Frontiers in Neurology, 2023. 14: p. 1.