This quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week foot core training program on foot pain, foot function, and pressure pain sensitivity in individuals with fibromyalgia. Participants were recruited among individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the American Pain Society-American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPT) criteria.

The intervention consisted of a structured foot core training program focused on strengthening the intrinsic foot musculature. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period. Outcome measures included foot pain and foot function assessed using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), as well as pressure pain thresholds measured using mechanical algometry at six predefined rearfoot anatomical points.

This quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week foot core training program on foot pain, foot function, and pressure pain sensitivity in individuals with fibromyalgia. Participants were recruited from individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia in accordance with the criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the American Pain Society-American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPT).

The intervention consisted of a structured foot core training program aimed at strengthening the intrinsic musculature of the foot and was implemented over an eight-week period. The program was designed to be delivered in a systematic and progressive manner.

Assessments were performed prior to the initiation of the intervention and at the end of the eight-week training period. Outcome measures included foot pain and foot function, assessed using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Pressure pain sensitivity was evaluated using mechanical algometry, with pressure pain thresholds recorded at six predefined anatomical points of the rearfoot.

All measurements were conducted following standardized procedures and by trained personnel. The data collected were intended to examine changes in foot-related outcomes and pressure pain sensitivity following completion of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years.
• Medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to the current American College of - Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and the AAPT criteria.
• Ability to understand instructions and complete all assessment procedures.
• Capacity to perform the exercise program without severe motor impairments that would limit participation.
• Voluntary agreement to participate and signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic conditions) that could interfere with participation.
• Relevant pre-existing podiatric pathologies that may alter foot mechanics or confound outcomes.
• Pregnancy.
• Severe psychiatric disorders that could interfere with adherence or accurate outcome assessment.
• Inability to attend sessions or comply with study procedures.

This study uses partial masking. Participants were not blinded, as they were aware of their participation in an exercise-based intervention and the nature of the foot core training program. However, the outcome assessor was blinded to the study objectives and to the timing of the evaluations (baseline vs. post-intervention) to minimize assessment bias.

The assessor responsible for collecting FHSQ scores and pressure pain threshold measurements did not have access to participant allocation information, intervention details, or previous results. This single-blind approach ensures that outcome measurements are performed objectively, reducing potential expectancy or observational bias typically associated with non-blinded participants in exercise studies.