Body image distortion in patients with fibromyalgia

• Grant number: 17/24156-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Cristina Maria Nunes Cabral
• Grantee: Laura Alves Menten
• Home Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The body image is a mental construct that comprises impressions of the senses, perceptions, and ideas about the dynamic organization of the body itself. Body image distortions are common in some cases of pain. Thus, the objectives of this study are to assess whether there is body image distortion in patients with fibromyalgia when compared to healthy participants, and whether patients with fibromyalgia improve body image perception after treatment based on two different modalities of therapeutic exercises. For this, 20 patients with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy participants will be assessed for the following outcomes: pain by the Pain Numerical Rating Scale, qualitative perception of the body image by a drawing made by the patients, tactile acuity by the two-point discrimination test and circumference of the limbs by cirtometry. After initial evaluation, patients with fibromyalgia will be allocated to two intervention groups: Aerobic Group, who will perform aerobic exercises on treadmill or bicycle; and Pilates Group, who will perform exercises of the Pilates method on the mat and apparatus. Both groups will receive an educational intervention and will be treated for eight weeks, twice a week. Statistical analysis will be performed through the t-test for independent samples for the comparison between patients with fibromyalgia and the healthy group, and a one-way analysis of variance to compare whether there is alteration of body image perception after intervention between the two exercise groups (Aerobic and Pilates). (AU)