A comparison of physical functional performance and strength in women with fibromyalgia, age- and weight-matched controls, and older women who are healthy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare functionality and strength among women with fibromyalgia (FM), women without FM, and older women.


METHODS
Twenty-nine women with FM (age [X+/-SD]=46+/-7 years), 12 age- and weight-matched women without FM (age=44+/-8 years), and 38 older women who were healthy (age=71+/-7 years) participated.


METHODS
The Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) was used to assess functionality. Isokinetic leg strength was measured at 60 degrees/s, and handgrip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer.


RESULTS
The women without FM had significantly higher functionality scores compared with women with FM and older women. There were no differences in functionality between women with FM and older women. Strength measures for the leg were higher in women without FM compared with women with FM and older women, and both women with and without FM had higher grip strengths compared with older women.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that women with FM and older women who are healthy have similar lower-body strength and functionality, potentially enhancing the risk for premature age-associated disability.
Panton
Lynn B
LB
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Florida State University, 436 Sandels Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. lpanton@mailer.fsu.edu
Kingsley
J Derek
JD
Toole
Tonya
T
Cress
M Elaine
ME
Abboud
George
G
Sirithienthad
Prawee
P
Mathis
Reed
R
McMillan
Victor
V
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001835:Body Weight; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking