This study was conducted to compare the emotional status and physical activity level in women with chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM).
Thirty-three women with CWP above the waist, including the upper extremities, and 68 women with FM were evaluated. To determine physical and emotional status, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Experience of Physical Activity Instrument, the Leisure Time Physical Activity Instrument, the Physical Activity at Home and Work Instrument, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used.
The CWP group had higher physical impairment scores than the FM group (p<0.05); however, the women with FM reported that they felt worse during the previous week than the other group before the interview. They also had higher scores for pain, morning tiredness and depression (FIQ 5, 7 and 10). Emotional symptoms were significantly elevated in FM patients versus the CWP patients. Conversely, no significant differences were found between the groups concerning the health status (FIQ-total) and physical activity (p>0.05). The results indicate that increased pain intensity and spread of pain have negative effects on both physical functioning and emotional status.
The women with FM reported much more severe clinical symptoms than those with CWP. Therefore, in addition to physical functioning, the emotional status of women with chronic pain should also be evaluated.