Fibromyalgia Treatment Shows Promise with Addition of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Strategic Insights -

New research conducted at Firat University in Turkey has investigated the effects of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to conventional treatment for fibromyalgia. The study included 40 female patients with fibromyalgia who were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving NMES in addition to conventional treatment, and the other receiving conventional treatment alone. The results showed that adding NMES to conventional treatment may increase the success of fibromyalgia syndrome rehabilitation, particularly in reducing pain intensity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to investigate the effects of NMES on pain, quality of life, sleep quality, and posture in patients with fibromyalgia.
  • 40 female patients with fibromyalgia were included in the study, divided into two groups: one receiving NMES + conventional treatment, and the other receiving conventional treatment alone.
  • The study found that adding NMES to conventional treatment significantly reduced pain intensity (P = 0.015) compared to conventional treatment alone.
  • Significant differences were also found in comparison of before and after treatment in both groups in terms of pain intensity, sleep quality, quality of life, and posture.
  • The study concluded that adding NMES to routine treatment may increase the success of fibromyalgia syndrome rehabilitation.

Statistics:

  • 40 female patients with fibromyalgia were included in the study.
  • The interventions lasted for 6 weeks.
  • The study found that pain intensity was significantly reduced in the group receiving NMES + conventional treatment compared to conventional treatment alone (P = 0.015).
  • The study also reported significant differences in sleep quality, quality of life, and posture in both groups after treatment.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Firat University Broaden Understanding of Fibromyalgia (Comparison of the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation plus conventional treatment to those of conventional treatment alone in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled study). Health & Medicine Week. September 5, 2025; p 1320.
  • Songul Baglan Yentur et al. Comparison of the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation plus conventional treatment to those of conventional treatment alone in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled study. Medicine, 2025;104(33).