AB1446-HPR Perceived exertion level in fibromialgic patients during the sit-to-stand test

Abstract

Background Fibromyalgic patients usually report fatigue and this symptom can increase the difficult to perform daily tasks, social and professional activities. Physical activities are often recommended to help patients dealing with the most important symptoms; however, there is no sense about fatigue complains during an exercise, since most studies have shown this symptom using questionnaires concerning previous events. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceived exertion level during the sit-to-stand test in fibromyalgic patients. Methods Participated 49 subjects divided in two groups: Fibromyalgia Group (FMG n=34) and Control Group (CG n=15). All subjects performed the sit-to-stand test in a comfortable speed until exhaustion. Perceived exertion was evaluated by Borg Perceived Exertion Scale. Ratings of perceived exertion were reported in sit-to-stand test in tree moments: initial time (T1), after one minute (T2) and at exhaustion (T3). Results FMG presented the shorter total test duration (121.17 vs. 227.93 seconds; p<0.000). At the beginning, the perceived exertion level was the same for both groups (p=0.06). After one minute, although both groups presented the same test speed (p=0.06), FMG have a higher level of perceived exertion (p=0.000). Until exhaustion, FMG have a decline in test speed (p=0.01), they were unable to perform the test during the same time than CG (61.17 vs. 167.93 sec; p<0.000) but with the same perceived exertion level. Conclusions FMG was unable to perform the sit-to-stand test with the same performance as CG. FMG showed more intense perceived exertion level at the beginning, when the physical demand was similar for both groups (sit-to-stand during one minute). At the end of the test, when CG have higher physical demand (sit-to-stand test during 167.93 seconds) FMG have the same perceived exertion level. This information can be useful when patients are involved in physical activities groups with asymptomatic individuals. References Valkeinen H, Häkkinen A, Alen M, Hannonen P, Kukkonen-Harjula K, Häkkinen K. Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women with Fibromyalgia. Int J Sports Med 2008; 29:408–13. Vøllestad NK, Mengshoel AM. Relationships between neuromuscular functioning, disability and pain in fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2005;27:667–73. Borg GAV. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1982;14:377-81. Kivimäki M, Leino-Arjas P, Kaila-Kangas L, Virtanen M, Elovainio M, Puttonen S, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Pentti J, Vahtera J. Increased absence due to sickness among employees with fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis 2007;66:65-9. Disclosure of Interest None Declared