Modulação autonômica e capacidade aeróbica em mulheres com fibromialgia segundo nível de atividade física

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a condition with multifactorial etiology, characterized by widespread pain and associated with changes in autonomic modulation. In this context, there is evidence that aerobic capacity and the level of physical activity can influence cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with fibromyalgia. Objective: To evaluate and compare autonomic modulation and aerobic capacity in women with fibromyalgia and without fibromyalgia according to the level of physical activity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic convenience sample for women aged 18 to 50 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FG, n= 21) and an age-matched control group of women without fibromyalgia (CG , n = 17). The level of physical activity (PA) was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version and counting the number of daily steps using a pedometer. Subsequently, the combination of IPAQ results and the use of the pedometer was used to evaluate the PA level of active and inactive CG and FG participants (inactive CG; active CG; inactive FG; active FG). The estimated aerobic capacity was based on the maximum oxygen consumption obtained from a submaximal test on an exercise bike using the Astrand-Ryhming protocol. Autonomic modulation was assessed by analyzing resting heart rate variability in lying and sitting positions. Results: The groups were homogeneous regarding age variables. The MET-min/week of vigorous activity was lower in FG than in CG. There was no influence of the PA level due to double criterion on HRV in the sitting position; however, the FG presented lower HRV values than the CG. There was an influence of the PA level on VO2max, with active individuals having higher VO2max than inactive individuals. VO2max did not correlate with HRV indices in sitting and lying positions in both the FG or CG. Conclusion: Women with fibromyalgia have lower resting heart rate variability in the situated position compared to the group without fibromyalgia. The level of physical activity similarly influences the aerobic capacity of individuals with and without fibromyalgia, but does not influence autonomic modulation.