Clinical Evaluation of Functionality in Fibromyalgia: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

Authors

  • Romualdo Ordóñez Vega Centro de Salud Familiar San Vicente, Chile
  • Marco Antonio Morales-Osorio Universidad San Sebastián, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.100.366

Keywords:

Fibromyalgia, functionality, clinical assessment, functional tests, outcome surveys

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain,
persistent fatigue, and functional limitations that significantly impact quality of life. Assessing its
impact requires the use of valid and reliable tools, although no universally accepted standard currently
exists. This study aims to conduct a clinical assessment of functionality in individuals with FM based on the best available evidence.

Method: A narrative review was conducted through comprehensive searches in five major scientific
databases: Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, up to November 2024. Primary and secondary studies published in English evaluating functional tests
and outcome surveys applied to individuals with FM were included. Search strategies were designed
using MeSH terms and relevant keywords such as “fibromyalgia,” “physical function,” “functional
tests,” “outcome measures,” and “assessment tools.”
Results: Twenty-six functional tests and seven outcome surveys with adequate psychometric properties
were identified. Among these, the Six-Minute Walk Test showed the highest validity and reliability, followed by the 30-Second Sit-To-Stand Test. Both tests are useful in clinical and research
contexts.
Conclusion: Combining objective and subjective assessments provides a more comprehensive understanding of the functional impact of FM. Using appropriate tools facilitates the design of effective
therapeutic interventions and supports treatment monitoring.

Author Biographies

  • Romualdo Ordóñez Vega, Centro de Salud Familiar San Vicente, Chile

    Kinesiólogo. Magíster en Terapia Manual Ortopédica. Kinesiólogo, Centro de Salud
    Familiar San Vicente, Sala de Rehabilitación Física, Talcahuano (Chile). kine.ordonez@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9685-7515

  • Marco Antonio Morales-Osorio, Universidad San Sebastián, Chile

    Kinesiólogo. Doctor en Neurociencia Cognitiva Aplicada. Docente, Escuela de
    Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitación y Calidad de Vida,
    Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción (Chile). marco.morales@uss.cl.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5227-7755

Downloads

Published

2026-07-09

Issue

Section

NARRATIVE REVIEW

How to Cite

Clinical Evaluation of Functionality in Fibromyalgia: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review. (2026). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 42(2), 555-573. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.100.366

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