Pesquisas e Relatórios em Ciências Médicas

Impact of Exergames on Brain Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Suzanne Evgeny

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of exergames on brain activity in women with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and cognitive disturbances. Physical activity has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Exergames, which combine physical exercise with interactive gaming technology, have emerged as a promising intervention for promoting physical activity and enhancing cognitive function. In this study, 60 women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either an exergame intervention group or a control group. The exergame group participated in a 12-week program of supervised exergaming sessions, while the control group received standard care. Brain activity was assessed using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) before and after the intervention period. The results showed that women in the exergame group exhibited significant increases in brain activity in regions associated with pain modulation, executive function and mood regulation compared to the control group. These findings suggest that exergames may have therapeutic effects on brain function in women with fibromyalgia and provide new insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity in this population.