Effect of Exergame Training and Detraining on Lower-Body Strength, Agility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women with Fibromyalgia: Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Author: Villafaina S1, Borrega-Mouquinho Y1, Fuentes-García JP1, Collado-Mateo D2, Gusi N1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, Avda: Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain. <sup>2</sup>Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain.
Conference/Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health.
Date published: 2019 Dec 24
Other: Volume ID: 17 , Issue ID: 1 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010161. , Word Count: 232


The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 24 week exergame intervention and 24 weeks of detraining on lower-limb strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with fibromyalgia (FM). It was performed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of 55 women with FM. University facilities were used. The 24 week exergame intervention was focused on mobility, postural control, upper- and lower-limb coordination, aerobic fitness, and strength. Participants performed 120 min of exergaming per week, which was divided into two sessions. Twenty-four weeks after the end of the intervention, participants were re-evaluated. A chair-stand test, 10 step stair test, and six-minute walk test were conducted to assess lower-body strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, respectively. The exergame intervention significantly improved lower-limb strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no significant effects on agility were observed. After the detraining period, lower-limb strength and agility returned to their baseline level, but improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were sustained over time. Exergaming was therefore shown to be beneficial for physical fitness in people with FM. However, exergames had to be played regularly to maintain the benefits. This long-term intervention (24 weeks) may have changed the lifestyle of women with FM, which could explain why cardiorespiratory fitness improvements remained after the detraining period. Future research should focus on lifestyle changes after long-term interventions.

KEYWORDS: 10 step stair test; chair–stand test; chronic pain; physical activity; six-minute walk test.; virtual reality

PMID: 31878319 PMCID: PMC6981878 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010161