Distribution of plantar pressure in fibromyalgia patients

Fibromyalgia is a disease in which postural control and balance is impaired and tendency to falls increases. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of plantar loading impairment and to evaluate the relationship between potential plantar pressure changes and clinical signs in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Thirty-eight female fibromyalgia patients and age and gender-matched 33 healthy controls were included in the study. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia was done based on ACR criteria. Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire(FIQ) were used to determine the clinical condition of the patients. Static baropodometric measurements were performed to determine the distribution of plantar pressure. Statistically significant differences were not found between two groups regarding static baropodometric measurements (p>0.05). Inferior peak pressures in forefoot and hindfoot were associated with higher FIQ and VAS scores (p<0.05). Baropodometer may be used for assessment of the distribution of plantar pressure in fibromyalgia patients.