Experts reveal that regular exercise helps fibromyalgia sufferers, but people who are having this condition are scared of doing any physical activity, as they opine that they will worsen their symptoms.

People who are afflicted with fibromyalgia suffer from chronic pain, stiffness and fatigue which sometimes prove hindrance in performing daily activities.

A new study, which was published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, revealed that people with fibromyalgia should take small steps and do mild exercise which will surely not worsen their condition.

Kevin Fontaine, Associate Professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine opined that the sole motive behind the research was to see whether the people with fibromyalgia remain more active throughout the day.

The study was conducted on 84 patients. Participants who increased their daily average steps by 54% by the time the study ended, reported that they witnessed improvements in physical activity and suffered from lesser pain.

Fontaine said, “Even if they just walk to their mailbox, that's better than doing nothing. If they do a little bit, they realize that they can manage the pain”.

Fontaine also suggested that the sufferers should buy a pedometer and walk more. They should move their arms as well as legs while watching T. V. Steps should be used instead of an elevator. Gardening and yard work is a good exercise but should be done moderately.