Meditation and Mindfulness in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Martyna Biernacka, Anna Bieniasz, Katarzyna Agopsowicz, Katarzyna Blicharz, Igor Biernacki, Aleksandra Bąk, Piotr Mojżesz, Katarzyna Zdziebło, Maria Sitko, Michalina Piwowar
Quality in Sport June 11, 2025 DOI: 10.12775/qs.2025.42.60491 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with fibromyalgia |
| Interventions | Meditation Mindfulness-based practices Qigong Yoga Conscious breathing |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that meditation-based practices, particularly mindfulness, Qigong, yoga, and conscious breathing, show promise for reducing pain intensity, improving sleep quality, and alleviating psychological distress in fibromyalgia, with some studies suggesting cost-effectiveness. They caution that methodological limitations remain in much of the research and present these therapies as a complement to, not a replacement for, conventional treatment. |
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and frequently co-occurring psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Although conventional treatments remain essential, their limited effectiveness combined with the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia, often leads patients to explore complementary approaches and encourages a holistic management strategy for the disease. This review includes studies from the last 15 years, sourced from PubMed database, that focus on the role of meditation - particularly mindfulness-based practices, as a non-pharmacological intervention in the management of fibromyalgia. A growing body of evidence suggests that techniques incorporating meditation, such as mindfulness, Qigong, yoga, and conscious breathing can reduce pain intensity, improve sleep quality, and alleviate psychological distress. Meditation may also enhance emotional resilience and support self-regulation, offering patients a sense of agency in coping with chronic symptoms. Importantly, some studies indicate that mindfulness-based interventions are not only clinically beneficial but also cost-effective, by reducing reliance on healthcare resources. While methodological limitations remain present in much of the research, meditation-based therapies emerge as a promising and accessible complement to conventional fibromyalgia treatments, supporting a more holistic and patient-centered model of care.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |