Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intensive dynamic exercises on
the oxidative status in patients with primary fibromyalgia (FM) and to explore the importance
of these effects on the outcome of FM.
Patients and methods
We measured levels of stress oxidants (protein carbonyls, nitric oxide, and thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances) and antioxidant parameters (thiols and catalase) in blood samples
from 40 FM patients and from healthy controls (n = 25) at presentation and after 12 weeks of
intensive exercise program that comprised aerobic and strengthening exercises (lasting 1 h
three times per week). In the patients, pain was assessed using the visual analog scale and
tender points counts, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Beck Depression
Inventory were applied at presentation and after 12 weeks of exercise therapy.
Results
At presentation, the serum levels of the oxidative stress parameters were significantly
higher (P < 0.001), whereas the serum levels of antioxidant parameters were significantly
lower (P < 0.001) in patients with FM than in controls. There was a higher significant
decrease (P < 0.001) in the oxidative stress parameters following the 12‑week exercise regime,
whereas the antioxidant parameter levels showed a higher significant increase (P < 0.001) after
the exercise treatment. Tender points, visual analog scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire,
and Beck Depression Inventory showed a higher significant (P < 0.001) improvement with
exercise therapy.
Conclusion
Twelve weeks of intensive dynamic exercise program should be recommended to patients with
FM as it was effective in decreasing the oxidative stress parameters, increasing the antioxidant
parameters, and improving the clinical outcome of this disease.