Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

What type of exercise can a nurse suggest to a patient with fibromyalgia syndrome?

1. Jogging every other day

2. Use of stair-stepper 10 minutes daily

3. Low-impact aerobic exercise three times a week

4. Weight-lifting every other day

The correct answer is: Low-impact aerobic exercise three times a week

For patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, engaging in low-impact aerobic exercise is often recommended as it can help alleviate symptoms like pain and fatigue while being less likely to exacerbate these issues. This type of exercise allows individuals to improve their cardiovascular health, increase overall physical endurance, and enhance mood without imposing excessive strain on the muscles and joints. Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are commonly suggested, as they can be adjusted in intensity and duration according to the individual's capability and comfort level. The regularity of three times a week strikes a good balance between consistency and rest, giving the body time to recover while still promoting physical fitness. This approach is typically more beneficial for fibromyalgia patients compared to more intense exercise regimens that might lead to flare-ups of their symptoms due to increased physical stress. Hence, encouraging low-impact aerobic exercise fits well within the therapeutic framework for managing fibromyalgia syndrome effectively.