Differences in Physical Activity and Physical Fitness Level in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Healthy Individuals

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the physical activity and physical fitness levels in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to compare the data with those in healthy individuals. Methods: The study included 82 patients with FMS and 110 healthy individuals. In order to compare physical activity levels, all the subjects responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Long Form (IPAQ). The health-related physical fitness of the subjects was evaluated by body composition, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance. Body mass index (BMI), sit-up test, 6-min walk test, sit and reach test, body lateral flexion, and Kinesthetic Ability Trainer 3000 (KAT 3000) were used to determine body composition, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance, respectively. Results: Of the patients with FMS, 36.6% were inactive, 45.1% were insufficiently active, and 18.3% were active. Of the healthy individuals, 40.9% were active, 36.4% were insufficiently active, and 22.7% were inactive. Significant differences were found (p<0.05) in IPAQ walking and total scores between the groups. The sit-up test scores (p<0.001) and right and left body lateral flexion scores (p<0.001) were significantly different between the FMS patient and control groups. Conclusion: Our results showed that the physical activity and physical fitness levels of patients with FMS were lower than those of healthy individuals.