Association between quadriceps femoris echo intensity, patient-reported outcomes and functional capacity in people with fibromyalgia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2317-0190.v33e241431Keywords:
Pain, Functional Status, Rheumatic Diseases, UltrasonographyAbstract
Objective: Investigate the association between quadriceps muscle echo intensity (muscle quality), patient-reported outcomes, and functional capacity in people with fibromyalgia. Method: Quadriceps images were generated using B-mode ultrasound, and muscle echo intensity was measured using Image-J Software. Patient-reported outcomes included pain at rest and during movement, pain catastrophizing, and fatigue. Functional capacity was measured using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up-and-Go Test (habitual and fast gait), and Stair Climb Test. Associations among variables were analyzed using the Spearman coefficient. Results: Forty-four people with fibromyalgia, with a mean age of 48.2±8.9 years, were included in the study. No significant associations were found between quadriceps muscle echo intensity and patient-reported outcomes or functional capacity. However, patient-reported outcomes were significantly related with functional capacity, with a strong and positive association between Timed Up-and-Go performance on fast gait, and pain at rest (r= 0.563, CI 95%: 0.279 to 0.732; p < 0.001), and fatigue level (r= 0.512; CI 95%: 0.281 to 0.705; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In people with fibromyalgia, higher levels of pain and fatigue are associated with poorer performance on a fast walking test, while quadriceps muscle quality does not correlate with patient-reported outcomes or functional capacity.
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