Work

Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome Using Low-Intensity Neurofeedback with the Flexyx Neurotherapy System: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Year: 2006

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background.Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains a clinical challenge.Pain, somatic and cognitive symptoms may be due to neurosensitization involving CNS-activated autonomic and musculoskeletal reactions, associated with EEG abnormalities that may respond to brainwave-based stimulation biofeedback.This study's objective was to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel EEG neurobiofeedback treatment, the Flexyx Neurotherapy System ® (FNS), and electrophysiological responses in persons with fibromyalgia. Methods.A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in two private practices: a free-standing neurobiofeedback center and a rheumatologist's office at an academic medical center.Sixty-four participants with FMS (American College of Rheumatology criteria; Wolfe et al., 1990) for at least three years and symptoms for at least 48 months with no recent remission were randomized to treatment.A total of 22 treatment sessions were administered over at least 11 weeks of active (n = 33) or sham (n = 31) FNS therapy.Primary efficacy measures were the Clinical Global Impressions improvement scores, Clinician (CGI-I) and Participant (PGI-I) versions.Secondary outcomes included dolorimetry and tender point count, questionnaires (fibromyalgia symptom scales, CNS Dysfunction Questionnaire, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90-R), and EEG activity (delta, alpha, total amplitude).Results.More participants treated with active FNS than with sham improved partially or fully on the CGI-I at session 22 (p = .01)and follow-up (p = .04).The active FNS group had a higher

Source: Journal of Neurotherapy

DOI: 10.1300/j184v10n02_03

Authors: Howard M. Kravitz, Mary Lee Esty, Robert S. Katz, Jan Fawcett

Institutions: Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, University of New Mexico

Language: English

Topic: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung