Fibromyalgia and physical exercise: a systematic review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3132

Keywords:

fibromyalgia, physical exercise, aerobic treatment, resistance training

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, in addition to other physical and cognitive symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia. This is an integrative review of the scientific literature, conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, including articles published in the last 5 years that addressed the relationship between physical exercise and fibromyalgia. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. The review results showed that regular exercise not only helps control physical symptoms but also acts as a health marker for patients. Among the main benefits, a reduction in pain and symptom severity, improved mental health and sleep quality, as well as increased functionality and autonomy promoted by exercise were evidenced. Although the results converge regarding the therapeutic potential of physical exercise in fibromyalgia, there is methodological heterogeneity among the included studies. Therefore, it can be concluded that physical exercise is indispensable in the non-pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia and can improve both physical and cognitive symptoms.

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Author Biographies

Beatriz Azevedo Santos, Universidade Tiradentes, SE, Brasil

Graduanda em Medicina pela Universidade Tiradentes

Maria Fernanda Targino Hora, Universidade Tiradentes, SE, Brasil

Graduanda em Medicina pela Universidade Tiradentes

Maria Paula Aragão Andrade Dória, Universidade Tiradentes, SE, Brasil

Graduanda em Medicina pela Universidade Tiradentes

Alejandra Debbo, Universidade Tiradentes, SE, Brasil

Graduada em Medicina; Mestra em Ciências da Saúde (UFS)

References

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Published

2026-04-18

How to Cite

SANTOS, B. A.; HORA, M. F. T.; DÓRIA, M. P. A. A.; DEBBO, A. Fibromyalgia and physical exercise: a systematic review. JRG Journal of Academic Studies, Brasil, São Paulo, v. 9, n. 20, p. e093132, 2026. DOI: 10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3132. Disponível em: https://mail.revistajrg.com/index.php/jrg/article/view/3132. Acesso em: 19 apr. 2026.

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