Unveiling the link: exploring muscle oxygen saturation in fibromyalgia and its implications for symptomatology and therapeutic strategies

Rubio-Zarapuz, Alejandro1; Parraca, Jose A.2,3,*; Tornero-Aguilera, José Francisco1; Clemente-Suárez, Vicente J.1,4.

¹Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain²Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal³Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal⁴Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia, characterized as a complex chronic pain syndrome, presents with symptoms of pervasive musculoskeletal pain, significant fatigue, and pronounced sensitivity at specific anatomical sites. Despite extensive research efforts, the origins of fibromyalgia remain enigmatic. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between muscle oxygen saturation and fibromyalgia, positing that disruptions in the oxygenation processes within muscle tissues markedly influence the symptom profile of this disorder. Muscle oxygen saturation, crucial for muscle function, has been meticulously investigated in fibromyalgia patients through non-invasive techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The body of evidence consistently indicates substantial alterations in oxygen utilization within muscle fibers, manifesting as reduced efficiency in oxygen uptake during both rest and physical activity. These anomalies play a significant role in fibromyalgia’s symptomatology, especially in terms of chronic pain and severe fatigue, potentially creating conditions that heighten pain sensitivity and accumulate metabolic byproducts. Hypothesized mechanisms for these findings encompass dysfunctions in microcirculation, mitochondrial irregularities, and autonomic nervous system disturbances, all meriting further research. Understanding the dynamics of muscle oxygen saturation in fibromyalgia is of paramount clinical importance, offering the potential for tailored therapeutic approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for sufferers. This investigation not only opens new avenues for innovative research but also fosters hope for more effective treatment strategies and improved outcomes for individuals with fibromyalgia.

摘要：纤维肌痛是一种复杂的慢性疼痛综合征，表现为普遍的肌肉骨骼疼痛、严重疲劳和特定解剖部位敏感性。尽管已对纤维肌痛进行了广泛的研究，但其起源仍然是个谜。此次描述性综述探索了肌肉血氧饱和度和纤维肌痛之间的复杂关系，认为肌肉组织内氧合过程中断会显著影响该疾病的症状。通过近红外光谱和磁共振成像等非侵入性技术，对纤维肌痛患者的肌肉氧饱和度进行的细致研究对肌肉功能至关重要。大量证据表明，纤维肌痛患者肌肉纤维内的氧气利用率发生了显著性变化，表现为休息和体育活动期间的氧气吸收效率降低。这些异常对纤维肌痛症状中发挥着显著影响，尤其是在慢性疼痛和严重疲劳方面，可能会产生提高疼痛敏感性和积累代谢副产物。这些发现的假设机制包括微循环功能障碍、线粒体不规则和自主神经系统紊乱，所有这些都值得进一步探索。了解纤维肌痛患者肌肉血氧饱和度的动态具有至关重要的临床意义，这将为其缓解症状和提高生活质量以及制定个性化治疗方案提供帮助。