IMPACT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS ON THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES IN WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by complex and multifactorial symptoms, prevalent in women. This study focuses on two recurring and relevant alterations in fibromyalgia: autonomic dysfunctions and adiposity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether psychosocial factors correlate with autonomic and body composition changes, and to compare the results of women with fibromyalgia with a control group of healthy women matched by age and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This is a comparative cross-sectional observational study conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Women diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2016 diagnostic criteria and women without chronic pain (control group) matched by age (18 to 55 years) and BMI will be recruited. After signing the Informed Consent Form (TCLE), participants will be evaluated on a single day of data collection. During the evaluation, sociodemographic data will be collected, followed by the administration of questionnaires to assess psychosocial aspects, including: impact of fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised); sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index); social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey); self-care (Appraisal of Self Care Agency Scale); anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); optimism (Life Orientation Test); and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). Anthropometric measures including body weight, height, and waist circumference will be assessed. Autonomic dysfunction will be evaluated by collecting heart rate variability. Statistical analyses will be conducted using SPSS software, with a significance level set at 5%. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is expected that psychosocial aspects influence both anthropometric measures and autonomic changes, due to the interaction between emotional and social states with both outcomes. Exploring these complex interactions not only enriches our biopsychosocial understanding but also opens new perspectives for the integrated treatment of medical and psychological conditions.