BackgroundVarious studies have showed that patients with fibromyalgia have lower exercise capacity than healthy individuals (1, 2). This reduced exercise capacity affects these patients' independence in performing daily activities (3). Although it was shown that exercise capacity related physical status, it is not quite clear that relationship between exercise capacity and patients' psychosocial variables in patients with fibromyalgia.ObjectivesTo identify whether there is any direct link

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... n the exercise capacity of women with fibromyalgia and their psychosocial status.MethodsNineteen women with fibromyalgia meeting the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included in the preliminary cross-sectional study (age=46.26±6.25 years, BMI=27.64±3.86 kg/m2). Exercise capacity was assessed by 6-min walking test. For psychosocial variables, alexithymia, fatigue, self-efficacy, and social support were measured by Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Index, General Self-Efficiacy Scale, and MOS Social Support Survey, respectively. Spearman' correlation was used to investigate the relationship.ResultsThe average distance walked was 468.15± 57.50 m. It was found that a significant correlation between 6-min walking test and alexithymia (r=-.517, p=. 023), fatigue (r=-.475, p=.040), and self-efficacy scores (r=.607, p<.001). However, no link was observed between 6-min walking test and social support scores (r=.170, p=.486).ConclusionAs a result of our study, the exercise capacity of fibromyalgia patients was reduced as in other studies. there was a strong positive correlation between exercise capacity and self-efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia. Furthermore, exercise capacity was negatively associated with multidimensional fatigue scores and alexithymia. In the light of all this, it may be said that exercise capacity is related to patients' psychosocial status in women with fibromyalgia. We think that the structure of exercise programs aimed at improving the exercise capacity of patients should include strategies that also improve psychosocial factors.References[1]Valkeinen H, Hakkinen A, Alen M, Hannonen P, KukkonenHarjula K, Häkkinen K. Physical fitness in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia. Int J Sports Med. 2008; 29(5): 408- 13.[2]Sener U, Ucok K, Ulasli AM, Genc A, Karabacak H, Coban NF, Simsek H, Cevik H. Evaluation of health-related physical fitness parameters and association analysis with depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Int J Rheum Dis. 2013. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.12237.[3]Mannerkorpi K, Burckhardt CS, Bjelle A. Physical performance characteristics of women with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 1994; 7(3): 123-29.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared