Differences in Fibromyalgia Characteristics by Mode of Commute and Age in Women: The Al-Ándalus Project

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to test whether fibromyalgia-related characteristics differ by mode of commute and by age in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: A total of 450 women with fibromyalgia (aged 52.0 ± 8.0 years old) were included. Data on their body composition, socioeconomic factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depressive symptoms, sleep quality, pain-related outcomes, fatigue, and mode of commute, as well as the impact of fibromyalgia on their lives, were obtained. We performed linear regression analyses to test the differences in fibromyalgiarelated characteristics between the participants engaged in active/passive modes of commuting. To analyze in depth the differences, a one-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni’s correction for multiple comparisons was conducted. Results: In the younger group, active commuters presented differences in fibromyalgia-related characteristics (all, p < 0.01): they were less impacted by having fibromyalgia, had lower levels of fatigue, and had a higher HRQoL than passive commuters. We observed no differences in symptoms between active and passive commuters in the older group (all, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The possible positive effect of active commuting on fibromyalgia-related characteristics might be reduced by age and by a decrease in total physical activity. Physical activity programs for women with fibromyalgia focused on improving fibromyalgia-related characteristics should consider active commuting behaviors to increase their effectiveness.