Muscle strength and falls in fibromyalgia

This research has shown that women with fibromyalgia have reduced lower limb muscle strength and a high prevalence of falls.
Their lower limb muscle strength affects balance and agile movement and also knee extension and impacts on quality of life and physical activity level.

This study - Functional capacity, muscle strength and falls in women with fibromyalgia - was conducted by researchers at Sector of Biological Sciences, Physical Education Department/Center for Motor Behaviour Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

BACKGROUND:

Patients with fibromyalgia have difficulty with activities of daily living, they exhibit reduced muscle strength and high incidence of reported falls. 

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional performance and lower limb muscle strength in women with fibromyalgia and determine the relationship between muscle strength and falls.

METHODS:

36 women participated in the study: 16 had fibromyalgia and 16 were the healthy control group.  

Their physical activity level, prevalence of falls, pain intensity, and fibromyalgia's impact on quality of life were assessed. 

The peak torque and the rate of torque development were determined in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (hip, knee and ankle joints) using a load cell. 

Muscle torque is the force applied by the muscles. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction is a standardized method for measurement of muscle strength in patients with neuromuscular disease. An example of an isometric contraction would be carrying an object in front of you.

A load cell is used to convert mechanical force into a measurable electrical output.

The 30 second chair stand, 8 ft up and go, sit and reach, and functional reach tests were used to characterize functional performance.

The 30 second chair stand tests leg strength and endurance  

FINDINGS:

Women with fibromyalgia showed deficits in:

• lower limb muscle strength, 
• balance 
• agility 
• knee extension peak torque
• rate of torque development
• hip adduction 

Hip extension, rate of torque development, duration of fibromyalgia symptoms, overall pain, knee pain, and fibromyalgia impact were strong predictors of the number of falls in patients with fibromyalgia when considered collectively.

There was a high prevalence of falls in the fibromyalgia population.

What Does This Mean for People with Fibromyalgia?

This research confirms what many people with fibromyalgia already know through lived experience: muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue aren’t just frustrating—they can be dangerous. Falls aren’t just accidents; they’re often the result of a complex interplay between reduced muscle strength, impaired balance, and chronic pain.

For people living with fibromyalgia, this means:

• Falls may not be random: They often reflect underlying muscle deficits, especially in the hips and knees.

• Fatigue and pain can mask strength loss: You might feel too tired to notice subtle changes in balance or agility until a fall occurs.

• Functional tests matter: Simple assessments like the chair stand or reach tests can help track changes in strength and mobility.

• Prevention is possible: Gentle strength training, balance exercises, and physical therapy tailored to chronic pain conditions may reduce fall risk.

• Validation is key: If you’ve experienced falls, it’s not a personal failing—it’s part of a broader pattern that deserves attention and support.

Please share your own experience of Falls when living with Fibromyalgia in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.