Are the Lumbar Regional Muscles’ Endurance, Flexibility and Abdominal Adiposis Related to Disability in Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

Abstract

Objective: The patients who have widespread pain around the thoracic and cervical region came to the physical therapy clinic with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome complain about symptoms reappear after a period of time. This situation revealed the idea of evaluating the lumbar region as a more central segment and applying treatment to the lumbar region. The main purpose is to examine the endurance, flexibility and abdominal fat levels of lumbar muscles in women with fibromyalgia and investigate the relationship of these parameters with disability caused by fibromyalgia. Material and Methods: The study included 40 female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, aged 24-45, who met the American College of Rheumotology 2010 diagnostic criteria. functional disability of patients was evaluated with Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). The endurance of the lumbar region muscles was assessed by the Biering-Sorensen Test, flexibility by the sit and reach test, spinal mobility by the Modified Schober Test. With the skinfold caliper (Accu-MeasureR) abdominal region fat mass measurement, with the tape measure waist and hip circumference measurement were recorded. Results: There was a positive correlation between FIQR score and waist circumference (p<0.001, r=0.568), hip circumference (p<0.001, r=0.567), waist/hip ratio (p=0.018, r=0.370), skinfold measurements (p<0.001, r=0.869). On the other hand, a negative correlation between FIQR score and endurance (p<0.001, r=-0.969) and flexibility (p<0.001, r=-0.950) were viewed. Conclusion: Decrease in endurance and flexibility of the lumbar extensor muscle group and the increase in abdominal adipose tissue in fibromyalgia syndrome increase the severity and disability of disease.