Electroacupuncture and health-related quality of life and heart rate in fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects 2% of Mexicans, of which 80% to 90% are women. This study examined the effects of electroacupuncture on health-related quality of life and heart rate variability in women with fibromyalgia.
First, the details
Twenty women with fibromyalgia received a 10-weeks of electroacupuncture. Primary outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, and heart rate variability.
And, the results
There was significant improvement in health-related quality of life. Electroacupuncture increased sympathetic tone of the nervous system. Fibromyalgia patients showed improvement in pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, stiffness, anxiety, and depression. There was improved physical function, physical role, body pain, general health, and vitality scores.
The bottom line
Electroacupuncture improved symptoms commonly found in patients with fibromyalgia. Changes, mainly in mental status scores, could be related to a new autonomic balance with sympathetic predominance.