A guideline for the treatment and diagnostic procedures for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was developed in cooperation with 10 German medical and psychological associations and 2 patient self-help groups.
A systematic literature search including all controlled studies evaluating physiotherapy, exercise and strength training as well as physical therapies was performed in the Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-12/2006), PsychInfo (1966-12/2006) and Scopus (1980-12/ 2006). Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Grading of the strengths of recommendations was done according to the German program for disease management guidelines. Standardized procedures to reach a consensus on recommendations were used.
Aerobic exercise training is strongly recommended (grade A) and the temporary use of whole body hyperthermia, balneotherapy and spa therapy is recommended (grade B).
The significance which can be assigned to most of the studies on the various procedures for therapy is restricted due to short study duration (mean 6-12 weeks) and small sample sizes.