A systematic review and meta-analysis on the benefits of resistance exercise in patients with fibromyalgia
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Francesco Bettariga: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4977-5494
Pedro Lopez: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3897-667X
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, physical function, and muscle strength in patients with fibromyalgia. Additionally, we investigated whether these effects were influenced by demographic, clinical, or exercise prescription characteristics. Methods: A systematic search in seven databases was conducted up to February 2024. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined the effects of resistance-based exercise programs on outcomes of interest in patients with fibromyalgia. Outcomes were analysed using a three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression, with statistical significance set at an α level of 0.05. Results: Twenty-two studies involving 1235 participants were included. Resistance-based exercise showed small but significant improvements in pain (−0.40 SMD, 95%CI: −0.55 to −0.25), fatigue (−0.48 SMD, 95%CI: −0.69 to −0.26), depression (−0.46 SMD, 95%CI: −0.70 to −0.22), and anxiety (−0.31 SMD, 95%CI: −0.43 to −0.19). Small gains were observed also observed in sleep quality and physical function, while lower-limb muscle strength demonstrated a large effect size (1.17 SMD, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.44). Subgroup analyses indicated benefits irrespective of age, BMI, or duration of illness. Adding aerobic or flexibility exercises did not result in additional effects. Conclusions: Resistance-based exercise programs provide modest but meaningful benefits for managing multiple symptoms of fibromyalgia. A low-dose, moderate-intensity protocol may be sufficient to yield improvements and should be recommended as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Keywords
fatigue, fibromyalgia, pain, quality of life, resistance training, strength training
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
7-1-2026
Volume
47
Publication Title
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Publisher
Elsevier
School
Exercise Medicine Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
636
Last Page
645
Comments
Rech, A., Casagranda, E., Radaelli, R., Weber, T. a. S., Muller, C. T., Casara, P., Bonetti, L. V., Saccani, R., Bettariga, F., & Lopez, P. (2026). A systematic review and meta-analysis on the benefits of resistance exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 47, 636–645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.05.010