A Brain Imaging Study of Tai Chi on Fibromyalgia
FibromyalgiaTo accomplish our Specific Aims, we propose to conduct a two-session fMRI experiment in up to 30 patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and up to 30 healthy controls. All subjects will be invited to complete the second, identical fMRI session about 3 months following completion of the first session. Fibromyalgia subjects will complete their scans before and after a 12-week Tai Chi intervention in collaboration with Tufts Medical Center.
Predictive Models on Pain and Severity in FM Patients
FibromyalgiaThe primary goal of this research project is to develop different prediction models in fibromyalgia disease through the application of machine learning techniques and to assess the explainability of the results. As specific objectives the research project intends: to predicting Fibromyalgia severity of patients based on clinical variables; to assess the relevance of social-psycho-demographic variables on the fibromyalgia severity of the patients; to predict the pain suffered by the patients as well as the impact of the fibromyalgia on patient's life; to categorize fibromyalgia group of patients depending on their levels of Fibromyalgia severity.
Effects of a Clinical Dietary Intervention During Inpatient Treatment
Metabolic SyndromeOsteoarthritis5 moreThe purpose of the study is a scientific and prospective documentation of the clinical effects of an inpatient treatment at the Immanuel Hospital of Berlin, in the department for complementary and integrative medicine, with the use of a modified fasting regime. A pre- and post- as well as group comparisons are planned. Patients that are admitted to the inpatient department for metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia will be enrolled in the study.
Palpitations and Tachycardia in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia SyndromeClinically Characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pan and tenderness, Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most common "functional" syndromes. FM is currently conceived of as representing a prototype of central pain, i.e. a condition in which sensitization of the central nervous system results in a overall increase in the processing of painful stimuli, as well as an impairment of pain inhibition. This condition is responsible for significant a social and economic burden and is estimated to affect up to 5% of all women. The 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for FM are the current standard for studying FM, and require the presence of widespread pain lasting over 3 months, as well as documentation of tenderness in at least 11 of 18 pre-defined "tender points. Multiple additional symptoms, which are not part of the classification criteria, include among others sleep disturbances, mood disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, vulvodynia, dysmenorrhea, sexual dysfunction and weight fluctuations. In addition, FM is well known to overlap both clinically and epidemiologically with an ever increasing number of other "functional" disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), functional dyspepsia etc. In addition to the central symptom of pain, FM patients frequently complain of non- specific symptoms which are potentially autonomically - mediated. Thus, palpitations, fatigue and inability to stand for long periods of time are all common complaints. About 80-90 percent of FM patients have one or more symptoms associated with autonomic dysfunction. The most common of them is presyncope (62.5%), followed by syncope (12.5%), palpitations on standing (12.5%) and dizziness (12.5%) (14). Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS is a common dysautonomia, characterized by remarkable increased heart rate during the assumption of the upright posture (>30 bpm). According to our experience, FM is found, at least, in 15% of POTS patients. But, no data exists about the incidence of POTS in patients with FM.The role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in initiating and maintaining the syndrome of FM has been studies (and debated) over the last decade. The ANS is an extremely complex system, regulating involuntary body functions, including heart rate, intestinal motility, urination, and sexual activity, among many other variables. Notably, the vagus has an inhibitory effect on pain. Deterioration in the vagal control is "associated" with increased pain sensation. Previous studies have indicated that FM patients may have an increase in sympathetic control over the cardiovascular system with a reciprocal decrease in parasympathetic control. High sympathetic tone is usually associated with a lower threshold to pain. But, the contribution of the ANS to the pathogenesis of FM syndrome remains unclear. Evidently, the ANS interacts with other components of the CNS in the pathogenesis of FM, including pain processing centers in the thalamus and amygdala, as well as with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Pain
FibromyalgiaThe study investigates the potential of using serum biomarkers to assess pain in fibromyalgia patients.
Evaluation of Body Mass Index and Eating Behaviour Changes in Female Patients With Fibromyalgia...
Eating BehaviorBody Weight1 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate of body mass index and eating behaviour changes in female patients with fibromyalgia under medical treatment.
The Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on The Patients With Fibromyalgia
FibromyalgiaCovid-19 Fear4 moreThe investigators planned to analyze the effect of Covid-19 fear and anxiety on the daily life, sleep quality and depression-anxiety levels of fibromyalgia patients.
Eating Behaviours in Female Patients With Fibromyalgia
Eating BehaviorFibromyalgia1 moreThe Relationship Between Eating Behaviours and Health Status of Female Patients with Fibromyalgia
Evaluation of the Sural Nerve With Ultrasonography and Electromyography in Patients With Fibromyalgia...
FibromyalgiaBy evaluating the ultrasonographic and electromyographic measurements of the sural nerve in patients with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia; to determine the relationship of these measures to each other and to the FIQ, neuropathic pain questionnaire-Clinical, single-blind, prospective, controlled study.
Fibromyalgia Different Approaches: Acupuncture vs Migratens
FibromyalgiaPrimary1 moreFibromyalgia or Fibromyalgic Sindrome (FMS) is a chronic debilitating pain syndrome, characterized by widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain and generalized painful hypersensitivity, which may be associated with systemic, cognitive and psycho-emotional somatic disorders. Etiology is not completely known. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is anamnestic and clinical, without evident alterations at the objective examination or at laboratory and radiology investigations. According last guidelines, the best approach to treat FMS must be personalized and multidisciplinary, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Moreover, a correct treatment of comorbidities, practice of bland physical activity or meditative discipline, as well as a pychological support are very important in FMS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the activity of some common therapeutic pathways available for FMS: acupuncture and nutraceutical products; the latter are numerous on the market and based on powerful antioxidants. In this case Migratens was chosen for its composition: α-lipoic acid, polyvitaminic complexes (B and D group vitamins), coenzyme Q10, magnesium and tryptophan.