May 30, 2014 03:53 PM EDT By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Vibration may be able to reduce pain symptoms for those with fibromyalgia, according to a recent study.

Researchers from Indiana University found that whole-body vibration exercise may reduce pain symptoms and improve aspects of quality of life in individuals diagnosed with the musculoskeletal condition.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. It is primarily diagnosed in women and may also involve difficulties with sleep, memory and mood. The disorder affects an estimated 1-3 percent of the population.

 "Our findings are promising, but it is not entirely clear whether these improvements were the result of added vibration or just the effects of being more active," Tony Kaleth, lead author of the study and associate professor in the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, said in a statement.

For patients with fibromyalgia, regular exercise participation is one of the best known therapies. Many patients, however, are averse to participating over fears of pain that may be associated with increased physical activity. As a result, many patients continue to spiral downward, further exacerbating a sedentary lifestyle that often leads to a worsening of symptoms.

"Over time, this can lead to additional weight gain, as well as accompanying chronic health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes," he said.

Whole-body vibration exercise involves standing, sitting or lying on a machine with a vibrating platform that causes muscles to contract and relax as the machine vibrates. The machines primarily are used by researchers but have begun appearing in fitness centers and are sold commercially.

"Vibration training is increasingly being studied in clinical populations as a potential therapeutic mode of exercise training," Kaleth said. "Although the results are largely equivocal and in need of further study, studies have reported improvements in strength, muscle spasticity and pain in select populations."

The findings were recently presented on Thursday during the clinical populations session of the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

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