Impaired Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Predictors of the Impact of This Disorder and Balance Confidence

Abstract

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have a nonspecific postural balance disorder and a greater prevalence of falls. Objective: to clarify which aspects of maintaining balance are associated with the impact of the disorder and with balance confidence. Methods: A total of 182 persons with FMS agreed to participate in this study. After re-evaluation, 57 fully met inclusion criteria: age 40–70 years and moderate-severe impact of the illness according to the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). All participants underwent a posture control analysis with a stabilometric platform, an evaluation of the perception of verticality and an exploration of the vestibular system via functional tests. Additionally, they self-completed questionnaires about balance confidence, central sensitization, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, dizziness and days with episodes of instability. Results: The FIQ was associated with central sensitization and dizziness, which explained 56% of its variance (AdjR2 = 0.566), while days with instability, kinesiophobia and dizziness also explained more than half of the variance of the balance confidence scale (AdjR2 = 0.527). A high percentage of positive responses was found for functional tests (>50%) and a high dispersion in the stabilometric parameters. Conclusion: the detection of factors susceptible to intervention, such as disability due to dizziness, takes on special relevance in patients with FMS.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Finnish version of the central sensitization inventory and its relationship with dizziness and postural control

“…Postural control is a term used to describe regulation of the nervous system in order to produce and maintain a controlled, upright posture [10]. Instable postural control is one of the first signs and symptoms of many neurological diseases and cognitive impairments [11,12] and is evident in fibromyalgia, which is a wellestablished CS-related pain syndrome [13,14]. Subjective dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia [15][16][17].…”

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Recent studies have found an alteration of postural control in FMS subjects [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. FMS is also associated with an increased fall prevalence [ 12 ] and a greater awareness of their balance problems [ 10 ].…”

Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…This task requires the rapid and dynamic integration of convergent sensory information from somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems, which are needed to maintain the balance [ 13 , 14 ]. The alteration of the balance can be related to poor balance confidence, increasing the risk of falls [ 15 ].…”

“…Previous studies have shown a correlation between impaired balance and an increased risk of falling and/or a higher frequency of falls in women with FMS with reduced balance compared to healthy subjects [ 16 ]. FMS subjects reported an incidence of falls of 1.75 falls per person each six months [ 15 ]. Furthermore, balance alterations in patients with FMS negatively impact physical function, gait and quality of life [ 15 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…FMS subjects reported an incidence of falls of 1.75 falls per person each six months [ 15 ]. Furthermore, balance alterations in patients with FMS negatively impact physical function, gait and quality of life [ 15 , 17 , 18 ].…”