Date of Award
2015
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga is effective in reducing fibromyalgia-related symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.
Study Design: Review of two published double blind, randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and one before-after study published in 2012 were used for this review and selected based on their relevance to the clinical question
Data Source: Studies were found using PubMed, AMED, and CINAHL Plus.
Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured improvement of fibromyalgia symptoms based on a variety of well-validated measures, most notably the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Quality of Life Profile for the Chronically Ill (PLC), and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).
Results: Studies by Carson et al. and Rudrud found that fibromyalgia-related symptoms significantly decreased with yoga therapy as compared to standard fibromyalgia treatment. However, a study by Schmidt et al. found that the group participating in yoga therapy had little to no improvement as compared to the control groups.
Conclusions: Although inconclusive, the results of these three studies demonstrate a possible benefit of yoga in reducing fibromyalgia-related symptoms. The use of this treatment modality warrants further investigation.
Recommended Citation
Beckmann, Molly R., "Is Yoga Effective in Reducing Fibromyalgia-Related Symptoms in Women With Fibromyalgia?" (2015). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 210.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/210