Objectives.
Biofeedback (BFB) is an established intervention in the rehabilitation of
headache and other
pain disorders. Little is known about this treatment option for
fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of the present review is to integrate and critically evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of
biofeedback for FMS. Methods. We conducted a literature search using Pubmed, clinicaltrials.gov (National Institute of Health), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and manual searches. The effect size estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Results. The literature search produced 123 unique citations. One hundred sixteen records were excluded. The meta-analysis included seven studies (321 patients) on EEG-
Biofeedback and EMG-
Biofeedback. In comparison to control groups,
biofeedback (BFB) significantly reduced
pain intensity with a large effect size (g = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.22-1.36). Subgroup analyses revealed that only EMG-BFB and not EEG-BFB significantly reduced
pain intensity in comparison to control groups (g = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.11-1.62). BFB did not reduce sleep problems, depression,
fatigue, or health-related quality of life in comparison to a control group. Discussion. The interpretation of the results is limited because of a lack of studies on the long-term effects of EMG-BFB in FMS. Further research should focus on the long-term efficacy of BFB in
fibromyalgia and on the identification of predictors of treatment response.