Efectos de la exposición gradual al ejercicio y la realidad virtual en un paciente diagnosticado de fibromialgia y agorafobia. Estudio de caso

Abstract

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread chronic pain associated with various comorbidities.

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical effects generated by the gradual exposure to exercise and virtual reality in a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia and agoraphobia.

Methods

A single case study was conducted over a duration of 12 weeks. In the first four weeks, the patient engaged in exercise; during the next four weeks, she was exposed to virtual reality while exercising; and in the final four weeks, the exercise was performed in isolation. Pain perception, psychosocial constructs, central sensitization, pressure pain thresholds, and levels of anxiety and depression were evaluated using different scales.

Results

A reduction in fear of movement was observed, along with a decrease in catastrophic thoughts and levels of central sensitization. However, the subjective perception of pain increased, along with a slight rise in depression levels, while the patient's anxiety decreased by the end of the treatment.

Conclusion

The integration of exercise and virtual reality positively affected various clinical aspects, except for pain perception and depression levels.