Prevalence of functional limitations in patients with fibromyalgia

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome whose cardinal symptom is pain, but it is accompanied by several symptoms that can confer functional limitations to patients. Objective: To investigate the intensity of functional limitations in patients with FM. Methodology: This is a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study carried out by applying questionnaires to patients with FM from “Chronic Pain” and “Rheumatology” outpatient clinics. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied, which assesses daily activities, FM impact and symptoms. Item scores range from 0 to 10 and the total score, from 0 to 100; the higher the score, the greater the negative impact of FM. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (n° 5.318.200). Results: The sample consisted of 57 patients, mostly women (87.72%). The majority were aged between 51 and 65 years (63.16%) and did not work (68.42%). Of the 10 FIQ items, four had an average above 8. Among them, pain had the highest value (8.81±1.67), followed by anxiety (8.30±2.33), not feeling well (8.18±2.62) and fatigue (8.16±2.00). Furthermore, three items had a score between 7 and 8, which revealed an association of FM with decreased ability to work (7.63±2.51), depression (7.61±2.60) and stiffness (7.58±2.69). Also, in all items there was at least one patient who reached the maximum value (10.00). The mean total score was 75.55 (SD=14.44), with results ranging from 23.67 to 97.67. Discussion: In Couto et al (2006), self-care was associated with symptoms and quality of life in patients with FM. Disease progression revealed severe results in quality of life, high intensity of symptoms and moderate in self-care. The importance of non-pharmacological treatment in the management of FM is highlighted, citing physical exercise and yoga. This can inhibit brain activity linked to pain, and there are reports of absence of pain during practice. Conclusion: The patients analyzed presented high intensity of symptoms, especially pain, anxiety, not feeling well and fatigue.