Strength Training Protocol in Fibromyalgia Women

Physical exercise is an effective tool for the prevention of various chronic diseases. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain condition, in which patients may also experience a variety of other symptoms, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, stiffness, frequent episodes of pain and mental health problems, as well as possible gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, according to the American College of Rheumatology, such a generalised non-joint pain state occurs for at least three months in duration, predominantly in women over 50 years of age. In turn, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) presents as a disease characterised by persistent and debilitating fatigue lasting at least six months. The origin of FM and CFS is unknown, although alterations in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as abnormalities in muscle physiology and immune/inflammatory response are suggested as the main causes. In addition, most patients with FM are sedentary and in poor physical condition, exacerbated by pain, fatigue or depression, which can limit their daily activities and affect their quality of life and work opportunities. In this regard, physical exercise is considered the most important non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of FM; however, many clinically relevant questions remain unanswered regarding the most effective approach to exercise therapy in FM patients. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to analyse the possible physical and mental benefits of a physical exercise programme in people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome.