title: Performance of women with fibromyalgia in walking up stairs while carrying a load.
abstract: Background. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread pain and other associated symptoms. It has a relevant impact on physical fitness and the ability to perform daily living tasks. The objective of the study was to analyze the step-by-step-performance and the trunk tilt of women with fibromyalgia in the 10-step stair climbing test compared with healthy controls. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Twelve women suffering from fibromyalgia and eight healthy controls were recruited from a local association. Participants were asked to climb 10 stairs without carrying a load and 10 stairs carrying a load of 5 kg in each hand. Mediolateral trunk tilt was assessed using the "Functional Assessment of Biomechanics (FAB)" wireless motion capture device, and the time between steps was assessed via weight-bearing insoles. Results. Trunk tilt in the stair-climbing task carrying a load was significantly higher in women with fibromyalgia when compared to the healthy controls (2.31 (0.63) vs. 1.69 (0.51) respectively). The effect of carrying a load was significantly higher for women with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls at the intermediate and final part of the task. Discussion. Trunk tilt during stair climbing while carrying a load was higher in women with FM, which could increase the risk of falling. Additionally, women with FM experienced a higher pace slowdown as a consequence of the load, which supports the need of including specific strength and resistance training to physical therapies for this population.
authors: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura , Cáceres , Spain.
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Collado-Mateo
authors: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura , Cáceres , Spain.
authors: José C
authors: JC
authors: Adsuar
authors: Instituto de Actividad Física y Salud, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Talca, Chile; Instituto Superior de Educación Física, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
authors: Pedro R
authors: PR
authors: Olivares
authors: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura , Cáceres , Spain.
authors: Francisco J
authors: FJ
authors: Dominguez-Muñoz
authors: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura , Cáceres , Spain.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Maestre-Cascales
authors: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura , Cáceres , Spain.
authors: Narcis
authors: N
authors: Gusi
keywords: Daily living; Fibromyalgia; Motor control; Postural balance; Stair ascent; Women