https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215520911992 Clinical Rehabilitation 1–16 © The Author(s) 2020 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/0269215520911992 journals.sagepub.com/home/cre CLINICAL REHABILITATION Effectiveness of acupuncture vs. core stability training in balance and functional capacity of women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial Elisa María Garrido-Ardila 1 , María Victoria González-López-Arza 1 , Maria Jiménez-Palomares 1 , Agustín García-Nogales 2 and Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla 1 Abstract Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy programme vs. acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatients setting. Subjects: Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy programme group (n = 45), acupuncture treatment group (n = 45) and control group (n = 45) for 13 weeks. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), postintervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test and 10-m walk). The secondary outcome measure was functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Results: In all, 103 participants completed the study. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture and physiotherapy groups vs. the control group at week 6 regarding Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.00, both groups), timed up and go test (P = 0.00 and P = 0.01, respectively) and 10-m walk test at comfortable speed (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 10-m walk test at maximum speed showed significance when comparing the physiotherapy and control group (P = 0.03). However, no 1 Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain 2 Department of Mathematics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain Corresponding author: Elisa María Garrido-Ardila, ADOLOR Research Group, Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine Faculty, University of Extremadura, Avda. De Elvas, S/N, 06006 Badajoz, Spain. Email: egarridoa@unex.es 911992CRE 0 0 10.1177/0269215520911992Clinical RehabilitationGarrido-Ardila et al. research-article 2020 Original Article