Menzies, V., Et Al. (2006).

¶ … Menzies, V., et al. (2006). Effects of Guided Imagery on Outcomes of Pain, Functional Status, and Self-Efficacy in Persons Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 12 (1): 23-30.

The objective of this research study was to investigate the effects that a six-week intervention of guided imagery had on certain aspects of pain, functional status, and self-efficacy in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The research was mixed method; using qualitative data in the form of Questionnaires and quantitative measures from data within the report forms. The sample based included 48 individuals with Fibromyalgia recruited from random offices and clinics in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The results showed that guided imagery improved functional status and sense of self-efficacy in managing pain; although reports of pain did not change.

Analysis: The research was designed as a way to investigate the question of guided imagery and the dose-response effect of imagery on pain relief. In most ways, this was accomplished, but at a very broad and basic level. The researchers reasoned that a random sample of patients would allow for sufficient extrapolation of data on the use of imagery -- and likely not in only fibromyalgia patients. The statistical tabulation of the data led well to the conclusions, which were valid based on this experience.

This study was positive in the manner in which the subject of guided imagery, not a particularly quantitative prescription in medical philosophy, was used as a "dosage" based treatment. The data showed correlation between imagery, the dosage (amount of times the imagery tape was used per day), and a more comfortable physical and mental perception from fibromyalgia patients. What was not explained or addressed was the significant number of variables that the test subjects were prone to in their lives. For instance, some were active, some the opposite; some had other health issues than FM; age was not listed as a significant co-factor; and finally individual medication/health supplement dosages were ignored. Finally, there was no "control" group for logical reasons, and the limited sample size precluded too many analyses of interconnected data.

Alternative Conclusions: Based on this study, it is also possible to conclude that there may have been a somewhat benign placebo effect present in the data -- the idea that the tapes were supposed to help the patient, etc. Witness the result that there was no significant reduction in the measurement/perception of pain. We might also conclude that FM patients are either particularly susceptible to imagery, or that the study proves that there is a clear difference between pain reporting and self-reporting of quality of life issues. Finally, we might conclude that the type of patient who seeks out or identifies with alternative therapies may also have similar neurochemicals making them particularly susceptible to more metaphysical therapies (Aslin, 1998; Overview, 2002).

Findings and Hypothesis: The fundamental question from the study was posed as an "investigation." In this respect, each measurement was designed to provide data to the investigation of a cause a (listening to guided imagery tapes) resulting in new B (pain, self-efficacy, etc.). In this respect, all data and findings directly tied back to the hypothesis.

Additional Re-search: A single study using less than 50 participants over a short period of time may be adequate to begin investigations of a causal relationship, but it is not adequate for extrapolation. The most effective project would be admittedly large, but could involve physicians specializing in FM over the United States (perhaps 2-3 per State), and recruiting a statistical viable number of participants (perhaps upwards of 1,000) over several demographic and psychographic variables. Further, future research should include specified dosage amounts as well as samples that use the system over a short, medium and long-term program. Significant modifiers like medication, OTC supplements, exercise regimes, cigarette use; alcohol use, other substances, diet, weight, and prior or other health concerns should be accounted for as well. Additionally, one might further ask if other similar natural therapies (yoga, unguided meditation, biofeedback, etc.) had a similar effect? (Sing, 2008).