Protocol for physical assessment in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that causes pain and fatigue, presenting a negative impact on quality of life. Exercise helps maintaining physical fitness and influences directly on the improvement of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

Develop a protocol for health-related physical fitness assessment of patients with FMS with tests that are feasible and appropriate for this population.

METHOD: An exploratory and analytical literature review was performed, seeking to determine the tests used by the scientific community. With this in mind, we performed a literature revision through the use of virtual libraries databases: PubMed, Bireme, Banco de Teses e Dissertações da Capes and Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, published in between 1992-2012.

RESULTS

A variety of tests was found; the following, by number of citations, stood out: Body Mass Index (BMI) and bioimpedance; 6-minute walk; handgrip strength (dynamometer, 1RM [Repetition Maximum]); Sit and reach and Shoulder flexibility; Foot Up and Go, and Flamingo balance.

CONCLUSION

These are the tests that should make up the protocol for the physical evaluation of FMS patients, emphasizing their ease of use.