Mr Peter Micalos, lecturer in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the School of Human Movement Studies, is seeking people aged 20 to 60 years with chronic pain syndrome, known as fibromyalgia (FMS), as well as people in good health but with low fitness levels.

They are wanted to participate in a supervised, mild aerobic-based exercise program for eight weeks starting in February 2008.

Mr Micalos said fbromyalgia is characterised by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms.

“It can be triggered by an acute traumatic event, or have a slow onset from no specific cause and can be debilitating, especially during an acute flare-up.

“It can prevent normal activities such as driving a car, walking up stairs, grooming or dressing.

“There is no universally accepted diagnosis or cure for fibromyalgia, however studies have found individualised exercise programming improves fitness and sleep, and reduces pain and fatigue.”

The study has been approved by the CSU human research ethics committee, and involves clinical tests and individually supervised exercise twice a week at the CSU Bathurst Campus fitness centre.

People with fibromyalgia, or healthy participants, who are interested in participating in the study can contact Mr Peter Micalos on 6338 4505 or pmicalos@csu.edu.au