Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread pain and severe fatigue. Often, people who suffer from fibro feel much worse after heavy activity, and can be down for days after a big day of activity.
A new study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy states that short bursts of activity can ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated that 30 minutes of what they call "Lifestyle Physical Activity" or LPA can increase the number of steps per day a person with fibro can tolerate, and can reduce their feelings of disability and pain.
LPA is moderate intensity physical activity like gardening or taking stairs instead of an elevator. The activity should cause heavy breathing, but not so heavy you can't speak.
Because fibro causes widespread pain and severe fatigue, it is hard for sufferers to exercise. They feel like they really pay for it afterward. But this study shows it may be worth it to push past the fatigue and fear of the aftermath of symptoms and go ahead with activity. It may improve overall quality of life.
For more on the study, see the journal: http://arthritis-research.com/