Investigation of the effect of "Core" stabilization on the functional status of the extremities in individuals with fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of "core" stabilization on the functional status of the extremities in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). 57 women with FM with a mean age of 43.91±10.50 years were included in the study. After recording the demographic data of the individuals, pain was evaluated with the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold with a pressure algometer, disease activity and functional status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), "core" stabilization assessment with McGill Static Endurance tests Trunk Flexors Endurance Test, Trunk Extensors Endurance Test (Biering-Sorensen Test) and Lateral Bridge Test, upper extremity functions with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and gross grip strength measurement, lower extremity functions with Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Chair Stand Test, aerobic capacity with 6 Minute Walk Test. As a result of statistical analysis, between Trunk Extensors Endurance Test and Lateral Bridge Tests and gross grip strength in individuals with FM; a significant correlation was found between all "core" endurance tests and DASH (p≤0.05). Between Trunk Extensors Endurance Test and left Lateral Bridge Test and Chair Stand Test; between all "core" endurance tests and the 6 Minute Walk Test; There was a significant correlation between Trunk Flexors Endurance Test, Trunk Extensors Endurance Test, right Lateral Bridge Test and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) (p≤0.05). According to the results of our study, it was observed that "core" stabilization had an effect on the functional status of the upper and lower extremities and was associated with performance in individuals with FM. In the light of these results, it is seen that increasing trunk muscle endurance and improving "core" stabilization play an important role in increasing the extremity functional performance of individuals with FM.