Fibromyalgia Research Paper

Topic: Is mindfulness a successful treatment for fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, chronic condition characterized by widespread persistent pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, morning stiffness and sleep disturbances that make it increasingly difficult for those affected to partake in daily activities. 1,2 There is no known etiology for FM, and although it is often considered a rheumatic condition similar to arthritis, the disorder does not cause inflammation of, or damage to, the joints, muscles or other surrounding tissues. 3 Consequently, FM is a challenge to clinicians and patients because of its series of symptoms that are frequently shared with other chronic pain conditions, and the lack of a definitive diagnostic test …show more content…
In one study, a series of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify which variables most affected pain in fibromyalgia, using both the means and standard deviations. 8 Another study used a series of chi-square tests and ANOVAs to test randomization, and the effect of writing journal entries on immediate mood in fibromyalgia patients. 10 ANOVA was found to be a very common way to analyze and determine differences over time between groups on all study variables. This tests works by providing a mean, standard deviation, and p-value for each variable studied, allowing for appropriate comparison of all parts of the data, so analysis can be done, and results can be …show more content…
4 This can include both negative and positive effects. Negative effects can be broken down into both major and minor outcomes. Major outcomes include physical function ability, pain level, presence of anxiety or depression, and adverse events. 4 Minor outcomes include overall fatigue, sleep, self-efficacy, chronic pain and quality of life. 4 Positive effects will include pain improvement, and overall mood improvement. 8,10,11 This study design should allow me to assess how mind-body therapy may be a successful treatment for fibromyalgia by assessing each possible outcome of the

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