Effectiveness of Dance on Patients With Fibromyalgia

Effectiveness of Dance on Patients With Fibromyalgia

The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of belly dance as a treatment for pain and improving the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.

Eighty female patients with fibromyalgia between 18 to 65 years were randomly allocated to a dance group (n=40) and control group (n=40). Patients in the dance group underwent 16 weeks of belly dance twice a week, while the patients in the control group remained on a waiting list. Patients were evaluated with regard to pain (Visual Analogue Scale), function (6 minute walk test), quality of life (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and SF-36), depression (Beck Inventory), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and self-image (Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination) questionnaire. Evaluations were carried out at baseline, after 16 weeks and after 32 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• classification of fibromyalgia based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology
• female gender
• aged between 18 and 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• not having altered treatment in previous three years
• having signed a term of informed consent
• patients with other rheumatic diseases, painful osteoarticular conditions, uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, diseases of the lower limbs or uncontrolled diabetes were excluded