Benefits Of Walking For Fibromyalgia Patients

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of unknown cause that affects approximately 2 percent of the population in the United States, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms, which vary from mild to severe, include tender points on various parts of the body, aching, fatigue, difficulties with memory and thinking, palpitations, headaches, mood disturbances, numbness in the hands and feet, sleep disorders and reduced exercise tolerance. Treatment regimens typically include a combination of medication, exercise, physical therapy, counseling and patient education components. Moderate exercise such as walking benefits fibromyalgia patients’ health in several ways.

Relief of Symptoms

Exercise is effective in relieving pain, as well as improving sleep patterns, reducing anxiety and depression and increasing strength and endurance, reports the National Fibromyalgia Association. A study reported in the Nov. 12, 2007, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a combined regimen of progressive walking, strength training and stretching was effective in reducing pain and other key symptoms, according to lead researcher Daniel S. Rooks. Subjects who also learned self-management techniques derived the most benefits. Self-management of fibromyalgia includes stress reduction and scheduling activities to avoid fatigue, according to the National Pain Foundation.

Weight Management

Walking is a moderate-activity exercise that helps to regulate weight by burning calories. A study published in the May 2010 issue of Arthritis Care & Research found that the incidence of fibromyalgia was reduced in women who maintained a healthy weight through exercise, according to lead researcher Paul Mork. Based on this information and other studies, the National Fibromyalgia Association reports that exercising and controlling their weight may help fibromyalgia patients to manage pain.

Improved Functionality

Exercise can help to improve posture, flexibility and range-of-motion in fibromyalgia sufferers, according to the American Council on Exercise. Exercise improves oxygen flow to the muscles, reduces tightness and improves tone and endurance, reports the National Fibromyalgia Association. Because walking is a low-impact exercise, it is usually well tolerated, although patients with severe pain should progress gradually. Patients should walk at least 20 to 40 minutes, three times a week, at a moderate pace to reap the most benefits. Consistency is important, but short periods of inactivity during flare-ups are acceptable, notes the American Council on Exercise.

Enhanced Well-Being

After analyzing the results of 1,025 studies on the effects of exercise on fibromyalgia patients, lead researcher George A. Kelly reported in the April 20, 2010, issue of BMC Public Health that aerobic and strengthening exercises seem to improve global well-being in women. Additional research is needed on the effects of exercise in male patients, as well as on the types of exercise that are most beneficial. Well-being, as measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, includes factors such as pain severity and the patient’s ability to perform normal daily activities.