Physical performance as a predictor of attention and processing speed in fibromyalgia.
Cherry BJ, Weiss J, Barakat BK, Rutledge DN, Jones CJ. Physical performance as a predictor of attention and processing speed in fibromyalgia.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the associations between physical (both self-report and objective measures) and cognitive function for persons with fibromyalgia (FM).


METHODS
Correlational study.


METHODS
An exercise testing laboratory in southern California.


METHODS
Community-residing and functionally independent (not wheelchair-bound) adults meeting the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for FM (N=51) with a mean age of 54 years and no history of stroke.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Composite Physical Function Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, adapted Trail Making Test parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B), Digit Symbol Substitution Test, a composite index of TMT-A, TMT-B, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test combined, and physical performance assessments.


RESULTS
Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that better objective physical performance predicted increased cognitive function for TMT-A and the composite cognitive score after controlling for age and symptom burden. That is, as the physical performance level decreased, cognitive performance levels decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that research is needed to determine whether patterns of physical activity participation, through their effects on physical fitness and performance, can enhance cognitive performance in persons with FM. Physiologic changes in specific brain regions in FM (eg, hippocampus, neural pain regions) suggest that further research is also warranted in determining specific relationships between biomarkers and cognitive performance in persons with FM.
Cherry
Barbara J
BJ
Department of Psychology, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA. bcherry@fullerton.edu
Weiss
Jie
J
Barakat
Brandon K
BK
Rutledge
Dana N
DN
Jones
C Jessie
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires