title: Diffuse muscular coactivation (DMC) as a potential source of pain in fibromyalgia -- part 1.
abstract: Fibromyalgia is characterized by diffuse pain, the origin of which remains obscure. This study explored a phenomenon labeled Diffuse Muscle Coactivation (DMC) as a possible source of pain in fibromyalgia. DMC is defined as an increase from resting levels (tonus) in the electrical activity of any muscle during a movement which does not involve that muscle and is not part of the agonist-antagonist unit. When compared to controls this activity in persons with fibromyalgia was 1.75 times more prevalent and demonstrated significantly higher peak amplitudes. Possible neurological mechanisms are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Myosymmetries, #300, 290 Midpark Way S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 1P1, Canada. myo@cadvision.com
authors.forename: C C S
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Snelling
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: MacInnis
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Sella
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Mueller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents