Researchers at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus are investigating why exercise can help relive some pain. Mr Peter Micalos, lecturer in human anatomy and physiology at the School of Human Movement Studies, is seeking people aged 20 – 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 says “Fibromyalgia is characterised by pain in muscles, joints or bones, 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 involves clinical tests and individually supervised exercise twice a week at the CSU Bathurst Campus fitness centre.