Fibromyalgia Syndrome Patients Optimize the Oxygen Cost of Walking by Preferring a Lower Walking Speed

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ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to investigate the effect of fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] on the preferred walking speed [PWS], energy expenditure at rest, and oxygen cost of walking.MethodsFifteen women with FMS and 15 healthy matched female subjects participated in our study. All patients were newly diagnosed and had no medication for FMS. The energy expenditure of FMS individuals was measured by using indirect calorimetry during resting and walking at PWS.ResultsThe resting energy expenditure in healthy subjects [Group 1] was 1115.08 ± 154.33 kcal/day and that in FMS patients [Group 2] was 1253.48 ± 212.94 kcal/day; there was no statistical difference between the groups [P > 0.05]. The mean PWSs in Groups 1 and 2 were 81.22 ± 9.10 and 71.42 ± 6.61 m/min, respectively. The difference between the PWSs in Groups 1 and 2 was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. The mean oxygen consumption in the first walking trail was 12.95 ± 2.62 and 11.83 ± 1.68 mL/kg/min in Groups 1 and 2, respectively [P > 0.05]. The mean oxygen cost of the first walking trial in Groups 1 and 2 was 0.16 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.02 mL/kg/m, respectively; the difference was not significant [P > 0.05].ConclusionThe PWS of patients with FMS was lower than that of healthy controls. The oxygen cost and consumption were similar in both groups in our study. This study demonstrates that FMS individuals optimize the oxygen cost of walking by preferring a lower walking speed.