• Valencia M
• Alonso B
• Alvarez MJ
• Barrientos MJ
• Ayan C
• Martin Sanchez V

• Cost of llness
• Exercise Therapy
• Fibromyalgia / rehabilitation
• Kinetic Chain Exercises
• Muscles / physiology
• Pain Measurement
• Pain Threshold
• Physical Therapy Modalities

METHODS: Twenty FMS patients were randomly assigned to 2 training groups, one following a program of kinesiotherapy and active muscular stretching and one using techniques of Global Myofascial Physiotherapy, according to the Mézières method. Both groups met twice a week for 12 weeks, for a total of 150 minutes each week. Flexibility and illness impact were measured by means of a standard test, whereas pain was assessed by means of thumb palpation. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the program and 24 weeks after its end.

RESULTS: Patients had achieved a statistically significant reduction in the severity of the disease and improved their flexibility level by the end of the program, but had returned to initial values after follow-up. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 treatment groups in the initial values or in the results at the end of the program or after the follow-up, so neither program proved better than the other.

CONCLUSION: The FMS patients in this study improved their flexibility level and general well-being using both kinesiotherapy and stretching exercises techniques.

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