Is Pilates more effective and cost‐effective than aerobic exercise in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome? A randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of Pilates versus aerobic exercises in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome from a societal perspective. Methods This two‐arm randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor and economic evaluation included 98 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome using the American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria, aged between 20 and 75 years, and pain intensity ≥3 points in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale. Patients were randomly allocated into the aerobic or Pilates group. Treatment was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the impact of fibromyalgia measured 8 weeks after randomization. Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility analyses were conducted for the impact of fibromyalgia and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), respectively, with a 12‐month time horizon. Results There was no difference between the groups for the impact of fibromyalgia (MD: 6.5 points; 95% CI: −1.8 to 14.9). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio showed that 1‐point increase in the impact of fibromyalgia was on average associated with a societal cost of £56 for the Pilates group compared to the aerobic group. The cost‐utility analysis showed that the Pilates group had a 0.71 probability of being cost‐effective at a willingness‐to‐pay of £30,000 per QALY gained. Conclusion There was no significant difference between groups for the impact of fibromyalgia. Pilates was not cost‐effective compared to aerobic exercises for the impact of fibromyalgia. However, Pilates seemed to be the preferred option of treatment considering QALYs, although it depends on the willingness‐to‐pay threshold. Significance Pilates showed to be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Pilates presented similar results for the impact of fibromyalgia and superior results for pain relief compared to aerobic exercises, a highly recommended intervention for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. Pilates was not cost‐effective compared to aerobic exercises for the impact of fibromyalgia. However, Pilates seemed to be a cost‐effective intervention for QALYs, depending on the decision‐maker's willingness‐to‐pay threshold.