[Relationship between cardio-respiratory parameters and women with fibromyalgia]

To determine groups in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) based on symptoms and determine their cardiovascular parameters during treadmill exercise to prescribe them physical activity.

Women (n=32; age, 53.3±6.6 years) were assigned into 2 different groups according to their functional capacity and symptoms. During incremental treadmill exercise test, exercise intensity was increased until participants achieved volitional exhaustion. Expired respiratory gases, ventilator parameters, and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously during exercise and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed each minute during the test.

Peak VO(2) values for the group 1 were significantly different than for group 2 (24.9±3.2 ml/kg/min [group 1] and 21.5±2.1 mL/kg/min [group 2]) similar ones to the found in other studies with women with FM, although lower than in other populations without this pathology. On the other hand, if we take into account the VO(2VT), we found no significant differences between groups in both trials. We found also differences in all the evaluated parameters.

Depending on the level of affectation and the symptoms of the FM patients, their aerobic capacities were different; therefore, we are not be able to prescribe physical activity with the same intensity for both groups. According to those results, professionals could prescribe physical activity with a high security and control.