ScienceDaily (Oct. 14, 2010) According to new research conducted at Oregon
Health & Science University, yoga exercises may have the power to combat
fibromyalgia -- a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain.
The research is being published in the November 10 online edition of the
journal Pain and will appear online on Oct. 14.
"Previous research suggests that the most successful treatment for fibromyalgia
involves a combination of medications, physical exercise and development of
coping skills," said James Carson, Ph.D., a clinical health psychologist and an
assistant professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine in the OHSU
School of Medicine. "Here, we specifically focused on yoga to determine whether
it should be considered as a prescribed treatment and the extent to which it
can be successful."
In this study, researchers enrolled 53 female study subjects previously
diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The women were randomly assigned to two research
groups. The first group participated in an eight-week yoga program, which
included gentle poses, meditation, breathing exercises and group discussions.
The second group of women -- the control group -- received standard medication
treatments for fibromyalgia.
Following completion of the yoga program, researchers assessed each study
subject using questionnaires and physical tests. The results were then compared
with testing results obtained prior to the yoga classes. The members of the
control group underwent the same evaluations. In addition, each participant in
the yoga group was urged to keep a daily diary to personally assess their
condition throughout the entire program.
Comparison of the data for the two groups revealed that yoga appears to assist
in combating a number of serious fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain,
fatigue, stiffness, poor sleep, depression, poor memory, anxiety and poor
balance. All of these improvements were shown to be not only statistically but
also clinically significant, meaning the changes were large enough to have a
practical impact on daily functioning. For example, pain was reduced in the
yoga group by an average of 24 percent, fatigue by 30 percent and depression by
42 percent.
"One likely reason for the apparent success of this study therapy was the
strong commitment shown by the study subjects. Attendance at the classes was
good as was most participants' willingness to practice yoga while at home,"
added Carson. "Based on the results of this research, we strongly believe that
further study of this potential therapy is warranted."
As an outcome of this study and Carson's previous research showing yoga can be
helpful with cancer-related pain, next June the OHSU Department of
Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine will be sponsoring a training course
for U.S. and Canadian yoga teachers who want to build their skills for working
with individuals who have chronic pain.
About fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome predominantly characterized by muscle pain and
fatigue. It can cause sleep problems, fatigue and psychological stress. Other
symptoms often include:
* Morning stiffness
* Tingling or numbness in the extremities
* Headaches
* Memory problems
Fibromyalgia affects between 11 million and 15 million Americans. The annual
costs for health care for these patients have been estimated at $20 billion.
The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, but it is believed that
genetics and physical/emotional stress may play a role.
This research was supported by a grant from the Oregon Health & Science
University Medical Research Foundation and resources supplied by the
Fibromyalgia Information Foundation.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis
or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of
ScienceDaily or its staff.
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