Physical Function in Adults With Fibromyalgia: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pain Management
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) affects millions globally, causing widespread chronic pain and significantly reducing quality of life.
• Chronic pain in FM leads to decreased productivity, exacerbation of other conditions, and psychiatric disorders.
• Physical and psychological health impacts of FM can severely restrict daily activities and overall physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing literature on physical function in adults with fibromyalgia.
• To identify gaps in current research regarding physical function in FM.
• To propose future research directions for understanding physical function in FM.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Study selection followed Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
• Data from 13 selected papers were extracted, synthesized, and analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• Physical function is often measured indirectly through quality of life or general function scales, hindering direct comparison.
• Resilience emerged as a significant factor, promoting adaptation and mitigating FM severity.
• Depression and multi-morbidity were also identified as factors associated with physical function in FM.

Conclusions:

• This review clarifies the concept of physical function in fibromyalgia.
• It identifies current measurement approaches and associated factors, including resilience, depression, and multi-morbidity.
• The findings provide a basis for future research to advance the understanding of physical function in FM.