Postural control deficits in people with fibromyalgia: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Postural instability and falls are significant issues in fibromyalgia (FM) patients.
• Dynamic posturography can objectively assess balance deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare dynamic posturography in FM patients versus healthy controls (HCs).
• Investigate associations between postural instability and factors like strength, proprioception, trigger points, FM symptoms, cognition, balance confidence, and medication.
• Evaluate self-reported falls in the past six months.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing middle-aged FM patients and HCs.
• Utilized computerized dynamic posturography and questionnaires (FIQR, balance, falls).
• Performed neurological and musculoskeletal examinations; analyzed data using correlation and regression.

Main Results:

• FM patients showed significantly lower sensory organization test scores on dynamic posturography.
• FM patients reported lower balance confidence (81.24 vs. 98.52).
• 72% of FM patients fell at least once in six months, compared to 11% of HCs.

Conclusions:

• FM patients have objective sensory deficits affecting balance, despite normal clinical exams.
• Further research is needed on fall rates and trigger point significance.
• Interventions should integrate balance, exercise, and cognitive training for FM patients.