Assessment of quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia (FM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 31 female volunteers (age range, 35 to 60 years), paired in two groups (16 with FM, and 15 in the control group). Both groups underwent the following assessments: one-repetition maximum (1RM) of knee flexors and extensors; quality of life (application of the SF-36 questionnaire); 6-minute walk test (6MWT); pinch strengths (tripod, pulp-to-pulp, and key) and handgrip strength. RESULTS: A significant difference between the groups was observed in the following variables: handgrip strength; pulp-to-pulp and tripod pinch strength of both hands; and the 1RM test of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (P 0.05). The 6MWT also showed a statistical difference between the groups (P 0,05). O TC6 também mostrou uma diferença estatística entre os grupos (P < 0,01). Já no SF-36, observou-se que mulheres com FM têm redução da capacidade funcional, aumento de dor e piora do estado geral de saúde (P < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados revelam redução da força muscular em membros superiores e inferiores, redução na distância percorrida durante o TC6 em mulheres com FM e também da qualidade de vidaUNIFESPUNIFESP Departamento de Ciências da SaúdeUNIFESP, Depto. de Ciências da SaúdeSciEL