Metabolic cost and mechanics of walking in women with fibromyalgia syndrome

BMC Research Notes

Peter M Tiidus¹  Stephen D Perry¹  Kristen McFall¹  Renée S MacPhee¹ 

[1] Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W., Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada

关键词: Pain;    Metabolic cost of walking;    Gait;    Fibromyalgia;   

Others  :  1141327
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-0500-6-420

 received in 2013-02-20, accepted in 2013-10-11,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is characterized by the presence of widespread pain, fatigue, muscle weakness and reduced work capacity. Previous research has demonstrated that women with fibromyalgia have altered walking (gait) patterns, which may be a consequence of muscular pain. This altered gait is characterized by greater reliance on hip flexors rather than ankle plantar flexors and resembles gait patterns seen in normal individuals walking at higher speeds, suggesting that gait of individuals with fibromyalgia may be less efficient.

This study compared rates of energy expenditure of 6 females with FS relative to 6 normal, age and weight matched controls, at various walking speeds on a motorized treadmill. Metabolic measurements including V0₂ (ml/kg/min), respirations, heart rate and calculated energy expenditures as well as the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion scale ratings were determined at baseline and for 10 min while walking at each of 2, 4 and 5 km/hour on 1% grade. Kinematic recordings of limb and body movements while treadmill walking and separate measurements of ground reaction forces while walking over ground were also determined. In addition, all subjects completed the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (1.0).

Findings

Gait analysis results were similar to previous reports of altered gait patterns in FS females. Despite noticeable differences in gait patterns, no significant differences (p > 0.05) existed between the FS and control subjects on any metabolic measures at any walking speed. Total number of steps taken was also similar between groups. Ratings on the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion, the RAND and self-reported levels of pain indicated significantly greater (p < 0.05) perceived effort and pain in FS subjects relative to control subjects during walking and daily activities.

Conclusions

The altered gait patterns and greater perceptions of effort and pain did not significantly increase the metabolic costs of walking in women with FS and hence, increased sensations of fatigue in FS women may not be related to alteration in metabolic cost of ambulation.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 MacPhee et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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