Aerobic Dance Exercises in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

NCT07591766 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IstanbulUC4
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 44
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic dance exercises on patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to compare these effects with those of conventional postural exercises.

Conditions

Fibromyalgia (FM); Fibromyalgia Syndrome; Fibromyalgia

Keywords

fibromyalgia; Aerobic Exercise; pain; Quality of Life; Physical Activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Fibromyalgia Impact Scale

  To measure the impact of the disease on daily life, a 20-question assessment tool was utilized, focusing on domains such as physical capacity, occupational health, and psychological well-being. Additionally, the scale screens for pain intensity, stiffness, sleep quality, and overall vitality. The scoring system is structured such that higher results indicate more pronounced symptoms and lower functional capacity, while lower scores reflect better health status. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disease impact and poorer functional status.

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

• McGill-Melzack Pain Scale

  To characterize the nature and intensity of the pain, the McGill-Melzack scale was utilized. This assessment encompasses a detailed analysis of pain topography, its sensory qualities, and duration. It also accounts for specific triggers or modifiers of pain frequency. Scoring is interpreted such that higher cumulative values reflect more profound pain symptoms and increased clinical severity.Total scores range from 0 to 78, with higher scores indicating greater pain severity and pain-related distress

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

• Beck Depression Inventory

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

• Fatigue Severity Scale

  change from baseline at 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Aerobic Dance Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

The aerobic protocol for Group-1 was divided into four distinct phases: warm-up, endurance training, stretching, and cooling down. These sessions were led by a physiotherapist in groups of five, using music to guide the exercise rhythm. Initial warm-ups lasted 5 to 7 minutes and involved stationary marching and stepping patterns. A 20-minute core segment followed, featuring group dance movements that incorporated various torso and limb rotations. Cardiovascular challenge was integrated through 5 minutes of rapid-paced dance. The program ended with a 5-minute cool-down period where participants gradually reduced their activity level in alignment with a slowing musical tempo.

Other: Aerobic Dance Exercises

Conventional Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

To improve muscle balance and protect spinal integrity, Group-2 performed conventional posture exercises targeting the neck, back, core, and shoulders. This routine, a common clinical approach for individuals with FMS, was conducted as a home-based program with a frequency of two sessions per week. To ensure compliance and track progress, each participant utilized a dedicated exercise diary to record their activities throughout the study.

Other: Conventional Exercises

Interventions

Aerobic Dance Exercises OTHER

The aerobic protocol for Group-1 was divided into four distinct phases: warm-up, endurance training, stretching, and cooling down. These sessions were led by a physiotherapist in groups of five, using music to guide the exercise rhythm. Initial warm-ups lasted 5 to 7 minutes and involved stationary marching and stepping patterns. A 20-minute core segment followed, featuring group dance movements that incorporated various torso and limb rotations. Cardiovascular challenge was integrated through 5 minutes of rapid-paced dance. The program ended with a 5-minute cool-down period where participants gradually reduced their activity level in alignment with a slowing musical tempo.

Aerobic Dance Exercises

Conventional Exercises OTHER

To improve muscle balance and protect spinal integrity, Group-2 performed conventional posture exercises targeting the neck, back, core, and shoulders. This routine, a common clinical approach for individuals with FMS, was conducted as a home-based program with a frequency of two sessions per week. To ensure compliance and track progress, each participant utilized a dedicated exercise diary to record their activities throughout the study.

Conventional Exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• diagnosis of FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria
• being female between the ages of 18 and 65
• having the physical capacity to exercise

You may not qualify if:

• unstable angina pectoris with severe dyspnea that would prevent exercise
• the presence of any neurological or orthopedic disease other than FMS

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fibromyalgia; Pain; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Posted: May 18, 2026
• Study Start: May 6, 2022
• Primary Completion: January 6, 2023
• Study Completion: May 6, 2023
• Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)