Investıgatıon Of The Relatıonshıp Between Balance And Body Awareness Wıth Paın And Functıonal Capacıty In Women Wıth Fıbromyalgıa

Abstract

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 and to compare them with healthy female. The research was conducted between 01.11.2022 - 01.02.2023. Individuals who applied to the Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Training and Research Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Ethics committee permission was obtained before the study. A total of 66 participants who met the inclusion criteria were informed about the purpose of the study. Written informed consent form was obtained from the participants. 33 female patients diagnosed according to 1990 ACR diagnostic criteria and 33 healthy controls were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and algometer. Functional capacity and mobility 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). The data obtained from the research were analyzed with the independent sample t-test. The mean age of the control group was 39±15.84 years, while the mean age of the FM group was 41±13.10 years. 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, these are as follows occiput, supraspinatus, gluteal, trochanter, cervical, second costa, lateral epicondyle and knee on both sides (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). In conclusion, 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.