Handgrip strength, pulmonary function tests, and pulmonary muscle strength in fibromyalgia syndrome: is there any relationship?

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Handgrip strength, pulmonary function tests, and pulmonary muscle strength

in fibromyalgia syndrome: is there any relationship?

South Med J. 2004 Jan;97(1):25-9.

Sahin G, Ulubas B, Calikoglu M, Erdogan C.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine,

Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. mailto:gunsahsahin@...

PMID: 14746418

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

(FMS) have lower maximal respiratory pressures than healthy subjects,

indicating reduced pulmonary muscle strength. It has also been reported

that patients with FMS have reduced grip strength. In this study, we aimed

to examine the possible relationship between handgrip strength as a

determinant of peripheral muscle strength and pulmonary muscle strength in

patients with FMS by comparing them with healthy controls.

METHODS: Forty-one consecutive women with FMS (diagnosed according to the

American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria) were compared with 40 age-

and body mass index-matched healthy female controls. Pulmonary function

tests were assessed by spirometry. Maximal pulmonary pressures were

evaluated using an oral pressure meter. A dyspnea score was obtained. Pain

was scored according to visual analogue scale and chest pain was classified

(0-9) in fibromyalgia patients. Chest expansion was also measured in the

two groups. Tender points were also evaluated in FMS patients. Grip

strength (Jamar handheld dynamometer) was also measured in the two groups.

RESULTS: The difference in pulmonary function tests was not statistically

significant between groups. Maximal respiratory pressures (maximum

inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure) and endurance

(maximum ventilatory volume) were significantly lower in patients with FMS

than in controls. There was also a statistically significant difference

between groups regarding grip strength. There was also significant

correlation between maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory

pressure values and handgrip strength in patients with FMS.

CONCLUSION: These data indicate that handgrip strength may be a determinant

of pulmonary muscle strength in fibromyalgia patients.

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