Characterization of postural control impairment in women with fibromyalgia

Predictability and Complexity of Fine and Gross Motor Skills in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Fine and gross motor tasks are usually used to evaluate behavioral dysfunctions and can be applied to diseases of the central nervous system, such as fibromyalgia (FM). Non-linear measures have allowed for deeper motor control analysis, focusing on the process and on the quality of movement. Therefore, to assess uncertainty, irregularity, and structural richness of a time series, different algorithms of entropy can be computed. The aim of this study was to (i) verify the single-scale and multiscale entropy values in fine and gross motor movements and (ii) to verify whether fine and gross motor tasks are sensitive to characterizing FM patients.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 20 females (46.2 ± 12.8 years) divided in two groups, an experimental group with 10 FM subjects and a control group with 10 subjects without FM. Inertial sensors were used to collect the finger tapping test (FTT), walking, and sit-and-stand task data.

RESULTS

Regarding fine motor skills, patients with FM showed a loss of structural richness (complexity), but they had information processing with greater control in the FTT, probably to simplify task execution and for correction of the movement. On the other hand, people without FM seemed to have more automatic control of the movement when performed with the preferred hand and exhibited similar difficulties to the FM group when performed with the non-preferred hand. Gross motor tasks showed similar entropy values for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that FM patients have movement controls primarily at the level of the motor cortex, whereas people without FM perform movement at the medullary level, especially in fine motor tasks, indicating that the FTT is sensitive to the presence of FM, especially when performed with the preferred hand.

Test-Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Strength in Lower Limbs under Single and Dual Task Conditions in Women with Fibromyalgia

Background: Previous research has established good test-retest reliability for isokinetic dynamometry in fibromyalgia. However, the reliability of this test under dual-task conditions has not been investigated in fibromyalgia. Methods: A total of 10 women with fibromyalgia participated in this study. Participants completed the concentric/concentric test. The dual-task condition involved subtracting two by two while performing the test. Results: Reliability analysis under the single condition showed "poor" to "excellent" values for maximum peak torque in knee extension and "moderate" to "excellent" values for average. "Poor" to "excellent" reliability values were found in knee flexion for the maximum and average. Dual-task condition in knee extension ranged from "moderate" to "excellent" for maximum and average values, and in knee flexion, it ranged from "poor" to "excellent" for maximum value and from "moderate" to "excellent" for average value. Conclusions: Isokinetic dynamometry demonstrated sufficient reliability for measuring strength in knee extension maximum and average during single-task and dual-task conditions, along with knee flexion dual-task average in fibromyalgia. For knee flexion single-task maximum and average and knee flexion dual-task maximum, we did not obtain sufficiently reliable measurements. Only the concentric/concentric test has been studied, and future studies with a larger sample size are needed in order to generalize the results.

Movement variability in Pilates: a scoping review

Objective

This scoping review aimed to identify studies that analyzed movement variability in Pilates. Following a systematic approach to mapping evidence on this topic would highlight concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps in this area.

Methods

This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria for the selection, reading, and analysis of studies in this area. We searched five literature databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra-EBSCO Discovery Services, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar). Eligible articles contained the word "Pilates," and the human movement variability was analyzed. Any type of study (except reviews) could be eligible and must have been published between 1 January 2002 and 30 November 2022, in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English.

Results

Our search identified five eligible entries. Only one study used the Pilates method in its intervention, pointing to a more significant variability of hip-knee coordination, suggesting more diversified coordination patterns, and maintaining the variability of the angular position of the joint.

Conclusion

Very few studies have examined movement variability in Pilates, and only one applied an ecological framework.

Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Improving Health Status and Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a highly prevalent health problem whose main symptom is widespread pain, although it presents as other manifestations, such as loss of balance, that seem to mainly affect visuo-vestibular information.

OBJECTIVE

to compare the effects of a Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) program versus those of a Conventional Physical Exercise (CPE) program on the health status of patients with FMS.

METHODS

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients with FMS were randomly assigned to VR or CPE programs. The protocols were performed in 40 min group sessions, twice weekly, for 16 sessions. Perceived health status, static and dynamic balance, verticality perception, confidence in balance, sensitization and kinesiophobia were measured at baseline, post-treatment and at the three-month follow-up and analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach.

RESULTS

Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned, of whom thirty-five completed the planned VR (n = 19) or CPE (n = 16) program. At the three-month follow-up, there were differences in physical health status measured with the SF-12 (mean = -4.36, SE = 1.88, p = 0.027), balance during walking (mean = 1.90, SE = 0.57, p = 0.002), the perception of verticality in degrees (mean = 3.61, SE = 1.51, p = 0.024) and the anteroposterior position of the center of pressure (mean = -7.88, SE = 2.80, p = 0.009), as well as a decrease in the number of falls (mean = 0.98, SE = 0.44, p = 0.033), favoring the VR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Vestibular Rehabilitation can be as beneficial as conventional exercise in improving the state of health in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, providing additional improvements in physical health status, body balance, the perception of verticality and the number of falls.

Effects of strength training in fibromyalgia on balance, neuromuscular performance, and symptomatic analysis: a 12-week study protocol

Fibromyalgia affects skeletal muscles presenting with muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue. The exercise practice is wellstabilized and suggested for the reduction of symptoms. However, there are some gaps in the literature related to balance and neuromuscular performance in a strength training protocol. The aim of this study is to structure a protocol to verify the effects of strength training applied over a short period, on balance, neuromuscular performance, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Additionally, we intend to analyze the effects of a short period of cessation of training. Participants will be recruited through flyers, internet advertisements, clinical referrals, health professionals, and email outreach. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to the control group or experimental group. Before the training period, symptoms (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale), balance (force plate), and neuromuscular performance (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) will be assessed. Participants in the experimental group will perform strength training twice a week (50 min each), on alternate days, for 8 weeks (16 sessions). Then, 4 weeks of detraining will be completed. This training program will be carried out online, using real-time videos, and the participants will be divided into two groups with different schedules. The Borg scale will be used to monitor perceived effort in each session. There is a gap in the literature about exercise prescriptions for fibromyalgia. The supervised online intervention enables a wide range of participation. The strength exercises used (without the use of external materials and/or machines) and load (few repetitions per set) represent a novelty to training programming. Moreover, this training program respects the limitations and individuality of the volunteers, providing exercise adaptations. With positive results, the present protocol could be an easy-to-apply guideline with clear instructions on the details related to exercise prescription. Also, ensure the effectiveness of a low-cost and feasible treatment, especially for fibromyalgia patients.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT05646641.

An Investigation of the Association between 3D Spinal Alignment and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common condition lacking strong diagnostic criteria; these criteria continue to evolve as more and more studies are performed to explore it. This investigation sought to identify whether participants with FMS have more frequent and larger postural/spinal displacements in comparison to a matched control group without the condition of FMS. A total of 67 adults (55 females) out of 380 participants with FMS were recruited. Participants with FMS were sex- and age-matched with 67 asymptomatic participants (controls) without FMS. We used a three-dimensional (3D) postural assessment device (Formetric system) to analyze five posture variables in each participant in both groups: (1) thoracic kyphotic angle, (2) trunk imbalance, (3) trunk inclination, (4) lumbar lordotic angle, and (5) vertebral rotation. In order to determine whether 3D postural measures could predict the likelihood of a participant having FMS, we applied the matched-pairs binary logistic regression analysis. The 3D posture measures identified statistically and clinically significant differences between the FMS and control groups for each of the five posture variables measured (p < 0.001). For three out of five posture measurements assessed, the binary logistic regression identified there was an increased probability of having FMS with an increased: (1) thoracic kyphotic angle proportional odds ratio [Prop OR] = 1.76 (95% CI = 1.03, 3.02); (2) sagittal imbalance Prop OR = 1.54 (95% CI = 0.973, 2.459); and (3) surface rotation Prop OR = 7.9 (95% CI = 1.494, 41.97). We identified no significant probability of having FMS for the following two postural measurements: (1) coronal balance (p = 0.50) and (2) lumbar lordotic angle (p = 0.10). Our study’s findings suggest there is a strong relationship between 3D spinal misalignment and the diagnosis of FMS. In fact, our results support that thoracic kyphotic angle, sagittal imbalance, and surface rotation are predictors of having FMS.

Test-Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the 3 m Backward Walk Test under Single and Dual-Task Conditions in Women with Fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported good test-retest reliability for the 3 m backward test (3MBWT) in different populations. However, reliability of the 3MBWT has not been studied in fibromyalgia (FM) under single and dual-task conditions; Methods: A total of 21 women with FM participated in this study. Participants completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and two physical fitness tests: the 3MBWT and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). The dual-task condition consisted of subtracting two by two while performing the test, starting from a random number less than 100; Results: Values showed that the 3MBWT can be considered reliable under single and dual-task conditions when measured with both a manual stopwatch and a Chronopic automatic stopwatch. A strong concurrent validity was shown of 3MBWT and TUG results in the test and retest and the different devices. The relationship between the performance of the 3MBWT in test and retest conditions under single and dual-task conditions measured with different devices and the impact of the disease were high; Conclusions: The 3MBWT is a reliable tool under the single and dual-task conditions in women with FM. It shows higher reliability values when time is taken using a Chronopic. This test also shows high concurrent validity with the TUG test. Its performance is related to the impact of the disease.

Distinctive alterations in the functional anatomy of the cerebral cortex in pain-sensitized osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia patients

Background

Pain-sensitized osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia patients characteristically show nociceptive system augmented responsiveness as a common feature. However, sensitization can be originally related to the peripheral injury in osteoarthritis patients, whereas pain and bodily discomfort spontaneously occur in fibromyalgia with no apparent origin. We investigated the distinct functional repercussion of pain sensitization in the cerebral cortex in both conditions.

Methods

Thirty-one pain-sensitized knee osteoarthritis patients and 38 fibromyalgia patients were compared with matched control groups. And new samples of 34 sensitized knee osteoarthritis and 63 fibromyalgia patients were used to directly compare each condition. A combined measure of local functional connectivity was estimated to map functional alterations in the cerebral cortex at rest.

Results

In osteoarthritis, weaker local connectivity was identified in the insula, which is a cortical area processing important aspects of the brain response to painful stimulation. In contrast, fibromyalgia patients showed weaker connectivity in the sensorimotor cortex extensively affecting the cortical representation of the body.

Conclusions

In osteoarthritis, weaker insular cortex connectivity is compatible with reduced neural activity during metabolic recovery after repeated activation. In the fibromyalgia neurophysiological context, weaker connectivity may better express both reduced neural activity and increased excitability, particularly affecting the sensorimotor cortex in patients with spontaneous body pain. Such a combination is compatible with a central gain enhancement mechanism, where low sensory tolerance results from the over-amplification of central sensory reception to compensate a presumably weak sensory input. We propose that deficient proprioception could be a factor contributing to weak sensory input.

Assessment of sleep quality in fibromyalgia syndrome and its effect on postural balance and functional status

BACKGROUND

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often have sleep problems and balance disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine sleep quality and balance disorders and the relationship between sleep quality and balance, functional status and the frequency of falls in patients with FMS.

METHODS

Fifty women with FMS and 50 healthy women were included in the study. Sleep quality was assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and balance and balance self-confidence were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, respectively. Functional status and symptom severity of patients were assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR). The number of falls in the last six months were recorded.

RESULTS

In the patient group, sleep quality scores were significantly higher, and BBS and ABC scores were significantly lower than the control group. NRS scores were significantly correlated with the BBS, FIQ, and SIQR scores, and the PSQI scores were significantly correlated with the BBS and ABC scores and the number of falls in FMS.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the prevalence of sleep and balance disorders is higher in FMS patients. A relationship was reported between the sleep quality and balance and functional status and frequency of falls.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Finnish version of the central sensitization inventory and its relationship with dizziness and postural control

BACKGROUND

Central Sensitization (CS) involves dysfunction in neurophysiological mechanisms that increase neuronal responses to both noxious and non-noxious stimuli in the central nervous system. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is considered the leading patient-reported outcome measure for assessing CS-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CSI into Finnish (CSI-FI) and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Translation and cross-cultural validation of the CSI was conducted according to established guidelines. The validation sample was 229 subjects, including 42 pain free controls and 187 subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The CSI-FI was evaluated for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, exploratory factor analysis with maximum likelihood extraction, relationship with subject-reported outcome measures [Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), the Depression scale (DEPS), 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5 L-5D), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pain and Sleep Questionnaire Three-Item Index (PSQ-3)], pain history, subjective symptoms of dizziness, and CS-related diagnoses on CSI part B. Furthermore, we studied the ability of the CSI-FI to distinguish pain free controls, subjects with chronic pain in a single body area, and subjects with multisite chronic pain. In addition, we studied the relationship of CSI-FI scores with postural control on a force plate.

RESULTS

The CSI-FI demonstrated good internal consistency (0.884) and excellent test-retest reliability (0.933) with a 7 ± 1 day gap between test administrations. Exploratory factor analysis with maximum likelihood extraction yielded a one factor solution. Fair to good correlations were found between the CSI-FI and the TSK, DEPS, EQ-5 L-5D, RMDQ, and PSQ-3. Subjective symptoms of dizziness correlated better with CSI-FI scores than any of the CS-related diagnoses on CSI part B. Total CSI-FI scores successfully distinguished between pain free controls, subjects with chronic pain in a single body area, and subjects with multisite chronic pain. The multisite pain group reported significantly more dizziness symptoms than the other two groups. Force plate measurements showed no relationship between postural control and CSI-FI scores.

CONCLUSION

The CSI-FI translation was successfully cross-culturally adapted and validated into Finnish. CSI-FI psychometric properties and scores were all in acceptable levels and in line with previous CSI validations. The CSI-FI appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing CS-related symptomology in Finnish-speaking populations.

The Impact of Visual Input and Support Area Manipulation on Postural Control in Subjects after Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

Osteoporosis is a prevalent health concern among older adults and is associated with an increased risk of falls that may result in fracture, injury, or even death. Identifying the risk factors for falls and assessing the complexity of postural control within this population is essential for developing effective regimes for fall prevention. The aim of this study was to assess postural control in individuals recovering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures while performing various stability tasks. Seventeen individuals with type II osteoporosis and 17 healthy subjects participated in this study. The study involved maintaining balance while standing barefoot on both feet for 20 s on an Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc. (AMTI) plate, with eyes open, eyes closed, and eyes closed in conjunction with a dual-task. Another three trials lasting 10 s each were undertaken during a single-leg stance under the same conditions. Fall risk was assessed using the Biodex Balance platform. Nonlinear measures were used to assess center of pressure (CoP) dynamics in all trials. Reducing the support area or elimination of the visual control led to increased sample entropy and fractal dimension. Results of the nonlinear measurements indicate that individuals recovering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures are characterized by decreased irregularity, mainly in the medio-lateral direction and reduced complexity.

Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence.

Nonlinear Measures to Evaluate Upright Postural Stability: A Systematic Review

Conventional biomechanical analyses of human movement have been generally derived from linear mathematics. While these methods can be useful in many situations, they fail to describe the behavior of the human body systems that are predominately nonlinear. For this reason, nonlinear analyses have become more prevalent in recent literature. These analytical techniques are typically investigated using concepts related to variability, stability, complexity, and adaptability. This review aims to investigate the application of nonlinear metrics to assess postural stability. A systematic review was conducted of papers published from 2009 to 2019. Databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, Science-Direct and EBSCO. The main inclusion consisted of: Sample entropy, fractal dimension, Lyapunov exponent used as nonlinear measures, and assessment of the variability of the center of pressure during standing using force plate. Following screening, 43 articles out of the initial 1100 were reviewed including 33 articles on sample entropy, 10 articles on fractal dimension, and 4 papers on the Lyapunov exponent. This systematic study shows the reductions in postural regularity related to aging and the disease or injures in the adaptive capabilities of the movement system and how the predictability changes with different task constraints.

Effects of the use of mobile phone on postural and locomotor tasks: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Using a mobile phone while performing a postural and locomotor tasks is a common, daily situation. Conversing or sending messages (SMS) while walking account for a significant share of accidental injuries. Therefore, understanding the consequences of using a mobile phone on balance and walking is important, all the more so when these postural and locomotor tasks are aggravated by a disease.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Our objective was to conduct a scoping review on the influence of a dual-task situation - generated by the use of mobile phone - on users' postural and/or locomotor tasks.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted in English on PubMed/Medline and CINHAL databases, using keywords associated with postural and locomotor tasks and with the use of mobile phone. Study location, population, number of subjects, experimental design, types of phone use, evaluated postural-locomotor tasks and expected effects were then analyzed.

RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE

46 studies were included in this work, 24 of which came from North America. All studies compared postural and locomotor tasks with and without the use of a smartphone. Ten studies also compared at least 2 groups with different characteristics. Only 4 studies included pathological subjects. Various modalities were tested, and most studies focused on walking. Results show that the use of smartphones slows down movement and induces a systematic imbalance, except when listening to music. The dual task of "using the smartphone during a postural or locomotor tasks" induces systematic disturbances of balance and movement, which must be taken into account in the rehabilitation approach. Future studies will have to extend the knowledge regarding pathological situations.

Influence of a Cell-Phone Conversation on Balance Performance in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Background

Altered balance is a common and debilitating symptom of fibromyalgia. Previous studies have investigated balance under single-task conditions that do not reflect real-life situations. The present study evaluated the impact of a simultaneous cell-phone conversation on balance performance in a case-control cohort from Spain.

Methods

A cross-sectional case-control study was performed in 34 women recruited from local self-help organizations and university facilities (n = 18 fibromyalgia cases; n = 16 healthy, pain-free controls). Participants performed the 30 s postural stability test, as implemented in the Biodex Balance System, under two conditions: (a) as a single task and (b) as a dual task, i.e., while holding a simultaneous cell-phone conversation with a technician. Intergroup differences in dual task costs were calculated.

Findings

Compared with controls, women with fibromyalgia showed higher dual-task costs in balance variables, such as overall sway (pp value = 0.039) and anterior/posterior sway (p value = 0.007). In the dual-task condition, overall (p value = 0.004) and anterior/posterior (p value = 0.012) sway indices significantly decreased in women with fibromyalgia but not in controls.

Interpretation

In women with fibromyalgia, balance performance was adversely impacted by the holding of a simultaneous cell-phone conversation. The inability to conduct two tasks simultaneously may be related to reduced attention and may increase the risk of falling in this population.

Strength Assessment Under Dual Task Conditions in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Test-Retest Reliability Study

The present study aimed to: (1) analyze the test-retest reliability of the 30 s chair stand test and the 30 s arm curl test under dual-task conditions; (2) analyze the test-retest reliability of a new variable which assesses the total performance (cognitive + physical) in both tests. A total of 37 women with fibromyalgia participated in the study. Participants completed the 30 s arm curl test and 30 s chair stand test in both simple and dual-task conditions. These tests were repeated after seven days. In the 30 s chair stand dual-task test the reliability was low to good whereas that of the total performance variable was low to moderate. The reliability in both the 30 s arm curl dual-task test and the total performance variable were good to moderate. Both the 30 s chair stand test and 30 s arm curl test under dual-task conditions and the total performance variables had good test-retest reliability. However, it is necessary to consider the fluctuations of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Physical Condition Factors that Predict a Better Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia

What physical qualities can predict the quality of life (QoL) in women with fibromyalgia (FM)? QoL is a very complex outcome affected by multiple comorbidities in people with fibromyalgia. This study aims to determine which physical qualities can predict the quality of life in women with FM. Also, a comparison between the physical qualities of women with FM and healthy counterparts was conducted. In total, 223 women participated in this cross-sectional study, 123 with FM, with ages ranging between 45 and 70 years. The study was conducted at several fibromyalgia associations and specialized medical units. QoL was measured as the main outcome. In addition, functional capacity, muscular strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, postural control, flexibility, pain threshold, and anxiety were measured. Prediction of the QoL was conducted with multiple linear regression analysis and comparison between groups, using the Mann–Whitney U test. There were significant differences between groups in all the variables measured (p < 0.01). The multiple linear regression model showed that factors influencing QoL in women with FM for all the variables measured were functional capacity, handgrip strength and bicep strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, pain threshold, and anxiety (R² = 0.53, p < 0.05). To conclude, women with FM show a significantly lower QoL than their healthy counterparts, and the factors that predict their perceived QoL are functional capacity, muscular strength, postural maintenance, pain threshold, and anxiety.

Impact of adding a cognitive task while performing physical fitness tests in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Fibromyalgia symptoms cause a significant reduction in the ability to perform daily life activities. These activities often require the ability to perform more than 1 task at the same time.The aim was to investigate how the addition of a cognitive task modifies the performance in physical fitness tests in fibromyalgia and healthy controls.A total of 61 women participated in this study, 31 of them diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist. They performed 3 physical fitness tests (arm curl, handgrip, and 10-steps stair tests) in 2 conditions:The dual task cost was calculated as the difference between the performances in the regular and dual-task (DT) conditions.Healthy controls obtained significantly better results than fibromyalgia in both, dual and single-task conditions. Women with fibromyalgia significantly decreased the performance in the 10-steps stair test when a cognitive task was added. Between-group differences in the dual-task costs (DTC) were not found.Women with fibromyalgia showed lower physical performance than healthy controls in both, single and dual task conditions. In addition, differences between single and dual task conditions were observed in the 10-steps stair test in women with fibromyalgia. This could be related with a reduction in the ability to perform daily life activities. However, results regarding DTC indicate that both groups may be similarly influenced by the addition of a secondary cognitive. Thus, further research with different difficulty levels of DT conditions is needed in fibromyalgia.