EFFECT OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY AS COMPARED TO MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE IN FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

Background and introduction: Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgic syndrome is a common form of non-articular rheumatism characterized by variety of non-specific symptoms including diffuse widespread musculoske letal aching associated with fatigue, morning stiffness and sleep disturbances (Bennett, 1997). The curren t study will compare the beneficial effects of Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and Myofascial release (MFR) alon g with conventional treatment. This study tries to find out new effective method for reducing the problems of pain, anxiety and sleep disturbance in fibromyalgia. Method: 24 subjects selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided in to three groups: Conventional group, Myofascial release along with conventional treatment and Cognitive behavior therapy along with conventional treatment. Pre and pos t readings at 0 day, 7 th day and 14 th day were recorded for Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: After two week protocol it was found that all three treatment approaches were effective in reducing the problem of pain, anxiety and sleep disturbance t o some extent. However on comparing three treatment approaches , CBT is the most effective in reducing the above parameters. (p