title: Assessment of quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia (FM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study carried out with 31 female volunteers (age range, 35 to 60 years), paired in two groups (16 with FM, and 15 in the control group). Both groups underwent the following assessments: one-repetition maximum (1RM) of knee flexors and extensors; quality of life (application of the SF-36 questionnaire); 6-minute walk test (6MWT); pinch strengths (tripod, pulp-to-pulp, and key) and handgrip strength.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant difference between the groups was observed in the following variables: handgrip strength; pulp-to-pulp and tripod pinch strength of both hands; and the 1RM test of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (P < 0.05). Only the key pinch showed no statistical difference between groups for both limbs (P > 0.05). The 6MWT also showed a statistical difference between the groups (P < 0.01). The SF-36 showed that women with FM have reduced functional capacity, increased bodily pain, and worsened general health status (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results revealed, in women with FM, a reduction in the following: muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs; the distance walked in the 6MWT; and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: The Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fábio de Souza
authors.initials: Fde S
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.forename: Murilo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Curtolo
authors.forename: Jamil
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Natour
authors.forename: Império
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lombardi Júnior
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires