Effects of 24-week exergame intervention on physical function under single- and dual-task conditions in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of 24-week exergame intervention in the physical fitness of women with fibromyalgia in both single- and dual-task conditions.

Design: Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: University facilities.

Participants: Fifty-five women with fibromyalgia, recruited from the local fibromyalgia association, were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: exercise group and control group.

Intervention: The exercise group completed 24 weeks of supervised and group-based exergame protocol, divided into two sessions of 60 minutes. The intervention was focused on mobility, postural control, upper and lower limbs coordination, aerobic fitness, and strength.

Main outcome measures: The strength of the upper limbs was measured using the arm curl test. The mobility skill was assessed through the timed-up and go test, and the flexibility of both upper and lower limbs was measured using the back scratch and the sit and reach tests, respectively.

Results: Fifty participants completed the study. In the single-task condition, exergame intervention led to significantly higher effects in the arm curl test (P = 0.008), sit and reach test (P = 0.033), and timed-up and go test (P = 0.021). Moreover, under dual-task condition, exergames led to significant effects in all the physical fitness tests (arm curl test, timed-up and go test, back scratch test, and sit and reach test) compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Exergame is an effective tool to improve the physical fitness in women with fibromyalgia under single or dual-task conditions.