Abstract
Regular physical exercise tends to benefit people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The effects have been observed regarding aerobic power and strength; however, results concerning flexibility have been controversial. In general, studies have evaluated specific joints or tests involving only a single body movement. The aim of this study was to compare the flexibility profile of FMS and asymptomatic women using a more comprehensive test protocol regarding the number of movements and joints involved. The sample consisted of 30 women divided into two groups: asymptomatic (n = 15; mean age: 50.2 ± 8.2 years; mean weight: 63.0 ± 9.6 kg; mean height: 157 ± 6 cm) and fibromyalgia (n = 15; mean age: 47.3 ± 9.4 years; mean weight: 61.9 ± 12.2 kg; mean height: 159 ± 7 cm). Flexibility was measured using the Flexitest, which was evaluated by the global index of flexibility (Flexindex), and the five indices of variability of joint mobility: intermovement (IVIM), interjoint (IVIA), flexion-extension (IVFE), between segment (IVES) and distal-proximal (IVDP). All of the indices were calculated based on the results of the 20 movements of the Flexitest. There was no difference between groups (44.4 ± 3.7 vs. 45.7 ± 4.1 points, for asymptomatic and fibromyalgia, respectively; p = 0.379; 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.2 to 1.6). Most of the sample (83%) showed an average level of flexibility based on reference values for gender and age. Only IVIM showed a significant difference between the groups. Asymptomatic and fibromyalgic women have similar overall levels of flexibility but with different profiles.
Highlights
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be defined as a chronic, non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis, characterized by diffuse pain across the body and a heightened sensitivity to the palpation of specific tender points, associated with chronic fatigue and sleep and mood disorders, among other problems[1]
Some studies have shown that FMS affects 0.5~6% of the overall population in different countries, and its prevalence in Brazil is estimated to be 2.5%
Kelley and Kelley[3] performed a judicious meta-analysis to establish the effect size of exercise on the wellbeing of individuals with FMS and found that regular exercises tends to improve the overall wellbeing of those individuals
Summary
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be defined as a chronic, non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis, characterized by diffuse pain across the body and a heightened sensitivity to the palpation of specific tender points, associated with chronic fatigue and sleep and mood disorders, among other problems[1]. Kelley and Kelley[3] performed a judicious meta-analysis to establish the effect size of exercise on the wellbeing of individuals with FMS and found that regular exercises tends to improve the overall wellbeing of those individuals. Those findings are similar to the ones reported by Kaleth et al.[4], who assessed the effects of a moderate to vigorous training program and found that sustained physical activity was not associated with worsening of discomfort (pain). Most individuals with FMS report difficulties in the performance of everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, running and carrying objects[5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
