Respiratory muscle training shows uncertain benefits for fibromyalgia symptoms
A small trial review reported improvements in pain and several other symptoms, but rated the evidence as very uncertain and insufficient to support clinical recommendations.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Training the muscles used for breathing was associated with better pain, fatigue, anxiety, sleep and quality-of-life results than control conditions in the pooled trials. However, the reviewers rated the certainty of these findings as very low. The results suggest possible benefits worth investigating, while leaving their size, dependability and practical importance unresolved.
Only 2 studies contributed to the meta-analyses. The abstract omits symptom-scale details, treatment duration and control descriptions, so the reported numerical changes cannot be translated reliably into everyday symptom improvements.
What the review asked
The researchers examined whether respiratory muscle training changed fibromyalgia symptoms in randomized trials. They assessed study bias and evidence certainty, considering symptom and quality-of-life outcomes alongside a breathing-pressure measurement that also favored training.
Why uncertainty remains central
Favorable pooled estimates do not settle whether the intervention produces a dependable, meaningful benefit. The review's very low certainty rating applies to the reported improvements, and the authors explicitly say the evidence cannot yet support clinical recommendations.
The original publication
Effect of respiratory muscle training on symptoms of fibromyalgia: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Pontes AT, Carvalho C, Santos TIR et al.
Pain Manag · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41520184
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.