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Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength is a critical factor for optimal pelvic floor function. Fluctuations in strength values based on different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) could signify a need for a paradigm shift in evaluating, approaching, and planning training. This research aims to examine and contrast the pelvic floor muscle strength during different phases of the menstrual cycle. A prospective observational study employing digital assessment with the modified Oxford scale and vaginal dynamometry measurements was performed, in order to assess the baseline strength and the contraction strength of the PFMs in eumenorrheic females at three different phases of the MC: the early follicular phase (EFP), the late follicular phase (LFP), and the mid-luteal phase (MLP). During two complete cycles, tympanic temperature and body weight were measured and the urinary luteinizing hormone concentration was tested to determine the time of ovulation. In total, 216 dynamometric measurements of PFM strength were obtained from eighteen nulliparous women (25.72 ± 5.03 years). There were no differences between the baseline strength (p = 0.886) and the contraction strength (p = 0.756) with the dynamometric speculum. In the post hoc analysis, the baseline strength, contraction strength, and strength showed no significant differences between MC phases. As no differences in PFM strength in women were found, the PFMs do not seem to be weaker at any time during the menstrual cycle. It appears that the assessment, establishment, and monitoring of a PFM training program could be initiated at any point in the cycle.
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(1) Background: The main characteristic of fibromyalgia (FM) is generalized musculoskeletal pain. This may be accompanied by muscle and joint stiffness, sleep and mood disorders, anxiety and depression, cognitive dysfunction, and chronic fatigue. It is endemic in developed countries, with a higher prevalence among women than men, and its etiology is still unknown. Diagnosis is made based on chronic generalized pain and through the presence of tender points. The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of diathermy on pain in patients with fibromyalgia. (2) Methods: A single, blind, randomized experimental study was developed with a sample of 31 participants. Measurements were taken and recorded at three different intervals using the following measurement tools: the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the tender points (TP) of the right and left trochanteric prominence with an algometer, the pain measurement scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the sleep quality index (PSQI, Pittsburgh), the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-S), and the scale for anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Sociodemographic data were collected through Google Forms (age, height, weight, Body Mass Index). The intervention took place twice weekly across four weeks of sessions. (3) Results: Statistically significant results were obtained in the right and left trochanter PPT, as well as for anxiety and fatigue in the experimental group. The results obtained show that this treatment has managed to improve the quality of sleep, the impact of disease, chronic fatigue, and anxiety in patients with FM. (4) Conclusions: Diathermy is a tool that can help reduce pain. It can also improve the baseline levels of chronic fatigue, anxiety, the impact of the disease, and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia.
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BACKGROUND: Currently there is no treatment capable of significantly alleviating all the symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM), even though it is a complex syndrome with a high prevalence in the population. DESIGN: Experimental study using a single-blind, randomised, clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as an alternative to traditional treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) in women. METHODS: This was an experimental study using a single-blind, randomised, clinical trial of 20 women between 30 and 55 years old with FM. Patients were divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). During the study, 3 measurements of pain (visual analogue scale and algometry), FM impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep quality (Index Pittsburgh), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were recorded. Treatment of the experimental group consisted of 2 weekly MLD sessions for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The effect of the interaction of MLD showed statistically significant results in Right intercostal space (F2,36 = 3.54; p = 0.04; n2p = 0.16). The sleep quality was significantly better favour of the treatment (F2,36 = 4.16; p = 0.01; n2p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: MLD therapy demonstrated effects in the experimental group in contrast to the control group across the intervention period concerning the right intercostal space and sleep-related factors. However, MLD did not result in observable alterations in pain perception.
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Fibromialgia , Drenagem Linfática Manual , Medição da Dor , Humanos , Feminino , Fibromialgia/terapia , Projetos Piloto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Drenagem Linfática Manual/métodos , Método Simples-Cego , Ansiedade/terapia , Qualidade do Sono , Depressão/terapiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the vegetarian diet has increased in popularity among athletes. The aim of this review is to ascertain the differences in variables related to performance, nutritional intake, and health in athletes according to whether they are omnivores or vegetarians. METHODOLOGY: A literature search was carried out in different databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Dialnet, and Cochrane. The keywords used were "vegetarian diet", "vegan diet", "exercise", "sport", and "performance". After applying different inclusion criteria, six studies were included in the review. RESULTS: No significant differences were obtained in variables related to physical performance (adherence exercise, Vo2Máx, muscle power, and sprint test) or health (body composition, psychological well-being, and social relationships), but dietary intake was significantly higher in carbohydrates and lower in proteins in vegetarian athletes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It cannot be affirmed that vegetarian subjects have a higher sports performance, for which more research should be carried out.
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Desempenho Atlético , Dieta Vegetariana , Humanos , Vegetarianos , Dieta Vegana , Exercício Físico , DietaRESUMO
(1) Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition with multiple symptoms primarily affecting women. An imbalance in cytokine levels has been observed, suggesting a chronic low-grade inflammation. The main aim of the meta-analysis was to examine the effect of multimodal rehabilitation on cytokine levels and other predominant variables in patients with FM. Furthermore, to examine which non-pharmacological tools have been used to investigate the effects that these can have on cytokines in FM patients. (2) Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases. This systematic review and metanalysis followed the PRISMA statement protocol. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, the risk of bias followed the Cochrane Manual 5.0.1, and the GRADE system was used for rating the certainty of evidence. (3) Results: Of 318 studies found, eight were finally selected, with a sample size of 320 women with a mean age of 57 ± 20. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were the most studied. Resistance exercise, aquatic exercise, dynamic contractions, cycling, treadmill, and infrared therapy were the main non-pharmacological tools used. (4) Conclusions: The systematic review with meta-analysis found evidence of elevated cytokine levels in patients with FM, suggesting low chronic inflammation and a possible contribution to central sensitization and chronic pain. However, the effects of physiotherapeutic interventions on cytokine levels are variable, highlighting the importance of considering different factors and the need for further research.
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OBJECTIVE: Current evidence suggests that fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) involves complex underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to quantify the multivariate relationships between clinical, psychophysical, and psychological outcomes in women with FMS by using network analysis to understand the psychobiological mechanisms driving FMS and generating new research questions for improving treatment strategies. METHODS: Demographic (age, height, weight), clinical (pain history, pain intensity at rest and during daily living activities), psychophysical (widespread pressure pain thresholds [PPT]), sensory-related (PainDETECT, S-LANSS, Central Sensitization Inventory [CSI]) and psychological (depressive and anxiety levels) variables were collected in 126 women with FMS. Network analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted correlations between the modeled variables and to assess their centrality indices (i.e., the connectivity with other symptoms in the network and the importance in the system modelled as network). RESULTS: The network showed several local associations between psychophysical and clinical sensory-related variables. Multiple positive correlations between PPTs were observed, being the strongest weight between PPTs on the knee and tibialis anterior muscle (ρ: 0.33). PainDETECT was associated with LANSS (ρ: 0.45) and CSI (ρ: 0.24), whereas CSI was associated with HADS-A (ρ: 0.28). The most central variables were PPTs over the tibialis anterior (the highest Strength centrality) and CSI (the highest Closeness and Betweenness centrality). CONCLUSION: Our findings support a model where clinical sensory-related, psychological, and psycho-physical variables are connected, albeit in separate clusters, reflecting a nociplastic condition with a relevant role of sensitization. Clinical implications of the findings, such as developing treatments targeting these mechanisms, are discussed.
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Fibromialgia , Humanos , Feminino , Fibromialgia/psicologia , Limiar da Dor , Medição da Dor , Sensibilização do Sistema Nervoso Central , Músculo EsqueléticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between demographic, clinical, psychological and pressure pain sensitivity outcomes with the central sensitization inventory (CSI) in female with fibromyalgia (FMS). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six (n = 126) females with FMS completed demographic (age, body mass index, height, weight), clinical (pain history, pain intensity at rest and during daily living activities), psychological (depression/anxiety levels) outcomes and widespread pressure pain sensitivity as well as the central sensitization inventory (CSI). After conducting a multivariable correlation analysis to identify the association between variables, a multiple linear regression model was performed to identify CSI predictors. RESULTS: The CSI was negatively associated with age (r = -0.262) and PPTs (r ranged from -0.221 to -0.372) and positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.541), depression (r = 0.415), mean intensity (r = 0.305), worst pain (r = 0.249) and pain during daily living activities (r = 0.398). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 47.4% of CSI variance in this sample was explained by anxiety levels (27.8%), PPT at greater trochanter (10.5%), age (1.4%), years with pain (4.8%) and pain during daily living activities (2.9%). CONCLUSION: The current study found that age, pain intensity at rest and pain during daily living activities, anxiety levels and pressure pain sensitivity are associated with the CSI (associated sensitization symptoms) in women with FMS. SIGNIFICANCE: This study found that sensitization-associated symptoms in women with FMS are partially influenced by age, pain intensity at rest and pain during daily living activities, anxiety levels and pressure pain sensitivity.
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Dor Crônica , Fibromialgia , Sensibilização do Sistema Nervoso Central , Dor Crônica/psicologia , Feminino , Fibromialgia/psicologia , Humanos , Medição da Dor , Limiar da DorRESUMO
Previous studies have reported the presence of muscle weakness in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) which is considered a risk factor for developing earlier disability and dependence during activities of daily life (ADL). We aimed to assess the relationship between hand grip force with sociodemographic, clinical, disease-specific, cognitive, and physical function variables in women with FMS. One hundred twenty-six women with FMS completed demographic (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index), pain-related (pain history, pain intensity at rest and during ADL), disease-specific severity (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire -FIQ-S-, Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire -FHAQ-, EuroQol-5D, Pain Catastrophizing Scale -PCS-, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI-, Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire -PVAQ-, and Central Sensitization Inventory -CSI-), psychological (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TKS-11; Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire, PVAQ; Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PCS), and physical function (hand grip force, and Timed Up and Go Test, TUG). Hand grip force was associated with height (r = -0.273), BMI (r = 0.265), worst pain at rest (r = -0.228), pain during ADL (r = -0.244), TUG (r = -0.406), FHAQ (r = -0.386), EuroQol-5D (r = 0.353), CSI (r = -0.321) and PSQI (r = -0.250). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 34.4% of hand grip force was explained by weight (6.4%), TUG (22.2%), and FHAQ (5.8%) variables. This study found that hand grip force is associated with physical function indicators, but not with fear-avoidance behaviors nor pain-related features of FMS. Hand grip force could be considered as an easy tool for identifying the risk of fall and poorer physical health status.
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Fibromialgia , Feminino , Força da Mão , Humanos , Dor , Equilíbrio Postural , Estudos de Tempo e MovimentoRESUMO
We aimed to analyze potential correlations between S-LANSS and PainDETECT with proxies for pain sensitization, e.g., the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and pressure pain hyperalgesia (construct validity), pain-related or psychological variables (concurrent validity) in women with fibromyalgia (FMS). One-hundred-and-twenty-six females with FMS completed demographic, pain-related variables, psychological, and sensitization outcomes as well as the S-LANSS and the PainDETECT questionnaires. S-LANSS was positively associated with BMI (r = 0.206), pain intensity (r = 0.206 to 0.298) and CSI score (r = 0.336) and negatively associated with all PPTs (r = -0.180 to -0.336). PainDETECT was negatively associated with age (r = -0.272) and all PPTs (r = -0.226 to -0.378) and positively correlated with pain intensity (r = 0.258 to 0.439), CSI (r = 0.538), anxiety (r = 0.246) and depression (r = 0.258). 51.4% of the S-LANSS was explained by PainDETECT (45.3%), posterior iliac PPT (0.2%) and mastoid PPT (5.9%), whereas the 56.4% of PainDETECT was explained by S-LANSS (43.4%), CSI (10.4%), and pain intensity (2.6%). This study found good convergent association between S-LANSS and PainDETECT in women with FMS. Additionally, S-LANSS was associated with PPTs whereas PainDETECT was associated with pain intensity and CSI, suggesting that both questionnaires assess different spectrums of the neuropathic and pain sensitization components of a condition and hence provide synergistic information.
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OBJECTIVE: Some studies have reported the presence of histological alterations, such as myofiber disorganization and abnormalities in the number and shape of mitochondria, in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Although Ultrasound imaging (US) is used to quantitatively characterize muscle tissues, US studies in patients with FMS are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to describe morphological and qualitative cervical multifidus (CM) muscle US features in women with FMS and to assess their correlation with clinical indicators. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: AFINSYFACRO Fibromyalgia Association (Madrid, Spain). SUBJECTS: Forty-five women with FMS participated. METHODS: Sociodemographic variables (e.g., age, height, weight, body mass index) and clinical outcomes (e.g., pain as assessed on a numerical pain rating scale, evolution time, pain-related disability as assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were collected. Images were acquired bilaterally at the cervical spine (C4-C5 level) and measured by an experienced examiner for assessment of muscle morphology (e.g., cross-sectional area, perimeter, and shape) and quality (mean echo intensity and intramuscular fatty infiltration). Side-to-side comparisons and a correlational analysis were conducted. RESULTS: No significant side-to-side differences were found for morphology or quality features (P > 0.05). None of the clinical indicators were associated with US characteristics (all, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed no side-to-side differences for CM morphology and quality as assessed with US. No associations between CM muscle morphology or quality and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, pressure pain threshold, numerical pain rating scale score, or evolution time were observed. Our preliminary data suggest that muscle morphology is not directly related to pain and pain-related disability in women with FMS.
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Fibromialgia , Músculos Paraespinais , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Fibromialgia/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Pescoço , DorRESUMO
It has been suggested that Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) can increase muscle strength. No previous study has investigated changes in performance in semiprofessional soccer players. This study compares the effects of adding two sessions of PENS to a training program versus the single training program over sport performance attributes (e.g., jump height and squat speed) in healthy soccer players. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted on twenty-three semiprofessional soccer players who were randomized into an experimental (PENS + training program) or control (single training program) group. The training program consisted of endurance and strength exercises separated by 15-min recovery period, three times/week. The experimental group received two single sessions of PENS one-week apart. Flight time and vertical jump height during the countermovement jump and squat performance speed were assessed before and after each session, and 30 days after the last session. Male soccer players receiving the PENS intervention before the training session experienced greater increases in the flight time, and therefore, in vertical jump height, after both sessions, but not one month after than those who did not receive the PENS intervention (F = 4.289, p = 0.003, η 2 p: 0.170). Similarly, soccer players receiving the PENS intervention experienced a greater increase in the squat performance speed after the second session, but not after the first session or one month after (F = 7.947, p < 0.001, η 2 p: 0.275). Adding two sessions of ultrasound-guided PENS before a training strength program improves countermovement jump and squat performance speed in soccer players.
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition that courses with chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, impaired quality of life and daily function. Due to the lack of blood, imaging or histological confirmatory tests, the diagnosis of FMS is based on the presence of widespread pain and presence of tender points (TPs). Our aim was to assess the pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) and subjective pain perception (SPP) of all 18 TPs while applying a normalized pressure in female patients with fibromyalgia. An exploratory descriptive pilot study was conducted in 30 female patients with FMS. Sociodemographic data (e.g., age, height, weight, and body mass index), clinical characteristics (e.g., years with diagnosis and severity of FMS), PPTs (assessed with an algometer), and SPP (assessed with a visual analogue scale) of all 18 TPs were collected. A comparative analysis side-to-side (same TP, left and right sides) and between TPs was conducted. No side-to-side differences were found (p < 0.05). Significant differences between all 18 TPs were found for PPTs (p < 0.0001), and SPP (p < 0.005) scores were found. The most mechanosensitive points were located in the second costochondral junction, the occiput, the trochanteric prominence; the most painful while applying a normalized pressure considering the TP and side were those located in the gluteus, trochanteric prominence, and supraspinatus. The current study describes PPTs and SPP, as assessed with algometry and visual analogue scale, respectively, of all 18 TPs in female patients with FMS. TPs exhibited significant PPTs and SPP differences between TP locations with no side-to-side differences.
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Fibromialgia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Fibromialgia/diagnóstico , Humanos , Limiar da Dor , Projetos Piloto , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to gain further insight into the relationship between cortisol reactivity and chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia. The studies selected were those conducted in adults with fibromyalgia that were random controlled, non-controlled or observational. Studies were excluded if they examined diseases other than fibromyalgia or if they did not report on pain or cortisol. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted into tabular format using predefined data fields by two reviewers and assessed for accuracy by a third reviewer. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data Synthesis: Of 263 studies identified, 12 were selected for our review and 10 were finally included as their methodological quality was good. In the meta-analysis, we calculated effect sizes of interventions on pain indicators and cortisol levels in patients with fibromyalgia. A small overall effect of all the interventions was observed on pain tolerance and pressure pain thresholds, yet this effect lacked significance (ES = 0.150; 95%CI 0.932-1.550; p > 0.05). Conclusions: While some effects of individual nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions were observed on both cortisol levels and measures of pain, our results suggest much further work is needed to elucidate the true relationship between chronic widespread pain and cortisol levels in patients with fibromyalgia.