Ivestigation of the relationship between balance and body awareness with pain and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between balance and body awareness with pain and functional capacity in female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. 33 female patients diagnosed according to 1990 ACR diagnostic criteria and 33 healthy subjectss were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and algometer. Functional capacity was evaluated with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The impact of the fibromyalgia was assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIA). Body awareness was evaluated with Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). Balance was evaluated with the Biodex Balance System (BBS). When the values of the FM group and the control group were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between TUG, 6MWT, FIQ score and in some pain variables on both sides except trapezius(p<0.05). These differences were in favor of the control group. In addition, a moderately positive and significant relationship was found between functional capacity and balance in the FM group (r= 0,434, p<0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between pain in 16 trigger points except right and left trapezius and balance (p<0.05). As a result, it was determined that the 6 MWT score, TUG score and pain values were better in healthy female than female with FM. In conclusion, we suggest that balance and body awareness, pain and functional capacity should be assessed together when evaluating FM.