Evaluation of pain and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:It is known that fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by chronic and widespread pain. Considering that pain has direct implications on affected patients' lives, this study aimed at evaluating pain and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients to better understand the correlation between such variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 45 females aged between 30 and 55 years, in stable treatment in the month previous to selection, being excluded those under physiotherapeutic treatment, using walking aids and/or with autoimmune rheumatologic diseases or relevant uncontrolled comorbidities. Patients were evaluated with interview records, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Widespread Pain Index and visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson Correlation and Student t tests, with statistical significance above 95%. RESULTS: There have been high scores in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Widespread Pain Index and visual analog scale, in addition to linear correlation between pain scores and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Pain is associated to impaired quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. Keywords: Evaluation, Fibromyalgia, Pain, Quality of life. RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS:Sabe-se que a fibromialgia é uma síndrome musculoesquelética caracterizada por dor crônica e generalizada. Considerando que a dor é um sintoma que traz implicações diretas na vida dos pacientes acometidos, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dor e a qualidade de vida de pacientes

Association of the practice of physical activity and of health status on the quality of life of women with fibromyalgia

“…The literature emphasizes that physical inactivity in FM patients is associated with loss of functionality and worsening of quality of life 4 . The reduced level of physical activity may further favor the maintenance or aggravation of the disease and some physical and physiological parameters not directly linked to the morbid process such as muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity and flexibility are affected over time 18 .…”

“…The symptomatology of pain is a fundamental aspect to be evaluated because of its limiting character when it comes to the realization of routine and professional activities, besides being a warning sign for the search of treatment among patients. In FM patients, the main objective of interdisciplinary treatment is pain control 4 . This research showed a high percentage of women reporting intense pain, corroborating the findings of previous studies 23 .…”

“…Previous data show that the prevalence of FM in the world population is 2.5% 4 . In Brazil, this estimate is 2%, and women in the age range between 35 and 60 years are the most affected.…”

“…Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by chronic diffuse pain lasting more than three months and presence of tender points 1,2 . Patients with FM frequently present physical and mental symptoms associated with typical pain such as generalized fatigue, sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, dyspnea, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment 3,4 .…”

Fibromialgia

“…Estudos realizados por Lorena et al 8 e por Martins et al 9 evidenciaram a dor da FM como um importante fator causal para redução da qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Fatores ocupacionais e o tipo de atividade física são pontos que também devem ser abordados.…”