PMC  PDF ISSUE 10(4)
Review Article
J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2025 Dec; 10(4):279-294 Copied!
10.22540/JFSF-10-279 Copied!

Group-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Scoping Review
  1. Department of Physical Activity and Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  2. Department for Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK


Abstract Group-based physical activity interventions improve symptoms, quality of life and function, and are a cost-effective treatment approach for the management for Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Multiple forms of physical activity have been examined in the Fibromyalgia population; however, a comprehensive review of these approaches is lacking. This review aimed to map the current research and descriptively report on attrition data. A scoping review was undertaken searching Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus and Web-of-Science for studies meeting the following criteria: English language; peer-reviewed; published January 1, 2000 - February 23, 2023; adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; group-based exercise or group-based physical activity. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Data were recorded into spreadsheets, then descriptively analysed and tabulated. 17 studies were included enrolling a total of 893 participants. Most examined multi-component intervention designs. Twelve included resistance exercise, ten included flexibility, eight included aerobic, six included hydrotherapy, four included balance training, three included “mindful movement” (e.g. Qi-Gong), one included Pilates, and one included exergames. Mean attrition was 21%. Current literature on group-based physical activity for Fibromyalgia examines mostly multi-component programmes delivered by multi-disciplinary teams in community settings, matching best-practice guidelines. Future studies should explore attrition further, examining influential variables.
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