Management of patients with fibromyalgia using biofeedback: A randomized control trial

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic rheumatological condition which could be characterized by generalized pain and fatigue. Cognitive and behavioral therapy has been found to be a suitable technique in the management of FMS. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback to reduce pain in patients with FMS. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving two groups of FMS patients, one receiving EMG biofeedback and the other a sham biofeedback, was carried out. The assessment tools included in the study were fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), six-minute walk test (SMWT) and number of tender points; and tenderness of each tender point was done for both the groups. Statistics: A Student's 't' test was used to study the test for significance. Results: After using biofeedback, the mean VAS scores and the mean number of tender points were found to be 3 out of 10 and 6 out of 18 respectively. Subjective analysis from both groups showed improvement in physical and psychological realms. Statistical significance (P < 0.001) was observed for decrease in pain and number of tender points. ANOVA analysis revealed a significant decrease in VAS, FIQ and tender points within the groups. Conclusion: Biofeedback as a treatment modality reduces pain in patients with FMS, along with improvements in FIQ, SMWT and the number of tender points.