Altered Functional Performance in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life.
• Gait and balance impairments are common in FMS, potentially increasing fall risk and functional disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate kinematic gait parameters, functional performance, and balance in women with FMS.
• To investigate the association between FMS symptoms and gait/balance deficits.

Main Methods:

• Compared 26 women with FMS to 16 pain-free controls using video analysis of motor tasks.
• Assessed gait and balance using the Hurst exponent, Berg's balance scale, 6-min walking test, timed up and go, and Romberg's balance test.
• Collected clinical pain and FMS symptom data via questionnaires, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Women with FMS showed significantly reduced walking speed, stride length, and cycle frequency compared to controls (p < 0.001).
• Significant differences in medial-lateral and anterior-posterior body sway were observed between groups (p < 0.01).
• Gait and balance parameters correlated significantly with pain, depression, stiffness, anxiety, and fatigue levels in FMS patients.

Conclusions:

• Gait and balance are severely impaired in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
• Subjective symptoms of FMS contribute to functional disability and may influence postural control and gait.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies must integrate assessment of psychological factors and physical impairments.