Izquierdo
Possible improvement in pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia with hyperbaric exposure versus a physical activity program.
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1. Some evidence of improvement in pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia with hyperbaric exposure versus a physical activity program. |
Citation/s:1. Izquierdo-Alventosa R, Inglés M, Cortés-Amador S, Gimeno-Mallench L, Sempere-Rubio N, Chirivella J, Serra-Añó P. Comparative study of the effectiveness of a low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment and physical exercise in women with fibromyalgia: randomized clinical trial. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. 2020; 12:1-14.
Lead author's name: Corresponding author: Pilar Serra-Añó pilar.serra@uv.es
Three-part Clinical Question:For female patients with fibromyalgia, does a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, compared to a physical exercise program, result in any improvement in fatigue, endurance or physical capacity?
Search Terms: Fibromyalgia; fatigue; exercise
The Study:Assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat.
The Study Patients: Women aged 30 to 70 with an established diagnosis of FM meeting several rheumatological criteria and pharmacological treatment without improvement for three months.
Control group (N = 16; 16 analysed): A total of 16 twice weekly low-intensity physical exercise 60 minutes total time each session. The final program was reached following a gradual increase in activity.
Experimental group (N = 17; 17 analysed): 40 sessions of 90 minutes each breathing oxygen at 1.45 ATA
The Evidence:
Measure |
Exercise Group |
HBO Group |
Difference |
95% CI | ||
Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD | |||
|
Pain (VAS 0 to 10) |
5.4 |
2.2 |
4.9 |
2.3 |
0.12 |
-3.5 to 3.7 |
|
Pressure point threshold lower cervical muscles (kg/cm-sq) |
1.6 |
0.9 |
1.3 |
0.6 |
0.36 |
-0.08 to 0.80 |
|
Induced fatigue ( 0 to 10) |
7.0 |
2.5 |
6.8 |
2.18 |
0.2480 |
-3.6 to 4.03 |
Comments:
1. The study included a third randomised group (not included in the outcomes here) who were randomised to usual activity only.
2. Authors reported statistcally significant intragroup reductions in induced fatigue, pain at rest, pressure pain threshold over the lateral epicondyle and gluteal areas. There were also improvements in endurance and functional capacity. The comparator exercise group also improved in endurance and functional capacity, as well as pressure pain threshold at several points.
3. The ‘usual activity’ group did not show improvements over the study period.
Appraised by:Mike Bennett m.bennett@unsw.edu.au; Thursday, 11 February 2021
Kill or Update By: February 2024
