A new study has shown that digital acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is both safe and effective for managing fibromyalgia, when compared to daily digital symptom tracking. This research was published online on July 8 in The Lancet.
In the study, 275 adults aged 22 to 75 with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group used a digital ACT program, which was a 12-week, self-guided therapy delivered via smartphone. The other group, serving as the control, tracked their symptoms daily and had access to educational materials related to health and fibromyalgia.
After 12 weeks, the results were clear. 71% of participants using the ACT program reported feeling better according to the patient global impression of change. In contrast, only 22% of those in the control group reported improvement. Importantly, no device-related safety issues were reported.
Dr. Mike Rosenbluth, CEO of Swing Therapeutics, highlighted the significance of this study. He noted that fibromyalgia treatments are often limited to a few medications, which may not work well and can have hard-to-manage side effects. He stated, “This publication validates Stanza as a guideline-directed nondrug approach that many patients previously couldn’t access due to few available trained clinicians, geographic limitations, and cost.”
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and bones. It is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, and emotional or mental distress. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Symptoms can include chronic muscle pain, headaches, and sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature.
Treatments for fibromyalgia typically include medications to relieve pain and improve sleep. These can include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. However, many patients also find relief through alternative treatments. These can include physical therapy, acupuncture, and now, as shown by this study, digital therapies like ACT.
Key Insights:
- Digital ACT is a new, safe, and effective way to manage fibromyalgia.
- 71% of users of the digital ACT program felt improvement compared to only 22% in the control group.
- The digital therapy can be easily accessed via a smartphone, making it convenient for many patients.
- No safety issues were found with the use of the digital ACT program.
Source: The Lancet