• S A Kendall, K Brolin-Magnusson, B Sören, B Gerdle, and K G Henriksson.
• Faculty of Health Sciences, INR, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
• Arthritis Care Res. 2000 Oct 1; 13 (5): 304-11.

ObjectiveTo compare in a pilot study the effect of two physical therapies, the Mensendieck system (MS) and body awareness therapy (BAT) according to Roxendal, in fibromyalgia patients and to investigate differences in effect between the two interventions.MethodsTwenty female patients were randomized to either MS or BAT in a program lasting 20 weeks. Evaluations were tender point examination and questionnaires, including visual analog scales (pain intensity at worst site, muscular stiffness, evening fatigue, and global health), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Quality of Life Scales, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), and disability before, immediately after, and at 6 and 18 months follow-up.ResultsThe BAT group had improved global health at 18 months follow-up, but lower results than the MS group. The MS group had improved FIQ, ASES other symptoms, and pain at worst site at 18 months follow-up.ConclusionIn the present pilot study, MS was associated with more positive changes than BAT.

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