Respiratory disturbances in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case control studies.

BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by diffuse and chronic musculoskeletal pain and tender points in muscles and soft tissues. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies to explore the respiratory disturbances among persons with fibromyalgia in comparison with healthy adults. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHOD This review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO; identification number CRD: 42020196835). We systematically searched seven electronic databases for articles publishes before December 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Case-control studies comparing adults with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy individuals in regard to the respiratory disturbances were included in our research. RESULTS A total of six studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analysis showed that persons with fibromyalgia reported reduced Chest Expansion (MD -0.72, 95% CI, -1.70 to 0.27, I2 =95%, p=0.016), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MD -10.67, 95% CI, -18.62 to -2.72, I2 =77%, p=0.009), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MD 11.04, 95% CI, -14.45 to -7.62, I2 =0%, p<0.001) and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MD 11.79, 95% CI, -16.80 to -7.78, I2 =0%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Persons with fibromyalgia experience respiratory disturbances such as reduced Chest Expansion, Maximum Expiratory Pressure, Maximum Inspiratory Pressure, and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation.