Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background:Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunctions, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals,Acupuncture can be defined as the insertion of needles into specified points on the body for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture points can be stimulated by electricity, heat or pressure. Purpose of the study: to determine the effect of electroacupuncture combined with aerobic exercises and relaxation techniques versus aerobic exercise and relaxation techniques. Subjects: thirty women suffering from fibromyalgia participated in this study, their age ranged from 25-40 years and their body mass index <30kg/m2. They were divided randomly in to two equal groups: Group (A) received electroacupuncture on the acupoint (St-36),(UB-62) (LI-4) bilaterally for 25 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks augmented by aerobic exercises by walking on a treadmill for 45 minutes and relaxation techniques in the form of deep breathing exercises 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks while group (B) received by aerobic exercises by walking on a treadmill for 45 minutes and relaxation techniques only in the form of deep breathing exercises 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. All participants in all groups were assessed pre-and post treatment through measuring of pain severity using visual analogue scale (VAS), quality of life and the current health status of patients through fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and pressure pain threshold using pressure algometer. All sessions applied 3 days per week for 4 weeks. All evaluations were performed before and after 12 sessions of treatment

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