Gait disorders in patients with fibromyalgia

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare gait in patients with fibromyalgia and in matched controls. Methods: Measurements must be obtained in patients with fibromyalgia, as the evaluation scales for this disorder are semi-quantitative. We used a patented gait analysis system (Locometrix(TM) Centaure Metrix, France) developed by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. Relaxed walking was evaluated in 14 women (mean age 50 +/- 5 years; mean height 162 +/- 5 cm; and mean body weight 68 +/- 13 kg) meeting American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia and in 14 controls matched on sex, age, height, and body weight. Results: Gait during stable walking was severely altered in the patients. Walking speed was significantly diminished (P < 0.001) as a result of reductions in stride length (P < 0.001) and cycle frequency (P < 0.001). The resulting bradykinesia (P < 0.001) was the best factor for separating the two groups. Regularity was affected in the patients (P < 0.01); this variable is interesting because it is independent of age and sex in healthy, active adults. Conclusion: Measuring the variables that characterize relaxed walking provides useful quantitative data in patients with fibromyalgia. (C) 2006 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.