Impact of fibromyalgia and related factors on foot function and quality of life: Cross-sectional study

The aim of study is to examine the factors that may influence pain, disability and the limitation of activity due to the presence of fibromyalgia in the foot. Methods: 323 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were recruited. Each participant completed the Foot Function Index questionnaire (FFI) and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). A multi- variate analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with high scores in each of these questionnaires. Results: In both questionnaires, the subscales presenting the highest scores were foot pain (FFI score: 71.18 ± 20.40) and symptom intensity (FIQR score: 36.23 ± 8.04). According to the multivariate analysis, foot function is influenced by age (p = < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), lack of physical activity (p = < 0.001), the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.012), retirement due to disability (p = < 0.001) and being un- employed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fibromyalgia affects foot function, provoking significant pain. Related factors include age, BMI, lack of physical activity, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and employment status.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Malaga / CBU

The influence of sock composition on the appearance of foot blisters in hikers

Introduction: Socks are of fundamental importance in reducing friction and in controlling the temperature and humidity of the foot, thus preventing the appearance of blisters. However, the influence of sock fibres (synthetic vs. natural) on blistering during long-distance hiking has received little research attention. Aims: This study evaluates the influence of sock fibres on the appearance of foot blisters in hikers. Method: The sample consisted of 203 male and female hikers, mean age 35.8 ± 14.5 years, from 22 countries. All were interviewed and assessed at shelters on the French route of the Camino de Santiago (Spain). Sociodemo- graphic and clinical data were obtained for each hiker; other study data included the number of blisters on the foot, whether the socks were wet at the end of the day, the model of sock used and the nature of its constituent fibres. Results: Among the hikers interviewed, 68.5% presented foot blisters. 74.2% used socks with predominantly synthetic fibres, compared to 25.9% whose socks were mainly composed of natural fibres. On average, they had walked 253.7 km. Hiking in wet socks was associated with a 1.94 times greater risk of experiencing foot blisters (95% CI 1.04–3.61) (p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis showed that the proportion of natural/synthetic fibres in the composition of the sock was not related to the presence of blisters. Conclusions: The use of wet socks heightens the risk of foot blisters in hikers, but the composition of the sock is not associated with blistering. We recommend hikers change their socks in long stages to maintain feet dry and so avoiding the appereance of blistersUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía TEC

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Global Pain Scale

The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaption and validation of the Global Pain Scale (GPS) to produce a Spanish-language version (GPS-Sp) and to determine the psychometric properties of this instrument. The GPS was cross-culturally translated into Spanish following the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. The initial study population was composed of 384 patients recruited from February to May 2021. All participants were aged at least 18 years and were currently experiencing pain. All gave signed informed consent to take part and completed the Brief Inventory-Sp and GPS-Spain questionnaires. Cronbach's ɑ and test/retest reliability values were calculated and floor/ceiling effects analyzed. Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 370 patients included in the final analysis presented the following characteristics: 36.2% were male and 63.8% were female; mean age 42.6 (19–88) years; mean body mass index 24.99. Internal consistency was good. The Cronbach's ɑ for GPS-Sp was 0.86 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% CI; 0.87–0.97). Five main explanatory factors were identified by CFA, which produced the following values: RMSEA = 0.057; CFI = 0.807; GFI = 0.809; NFI = 0.763. No floor/ceiling effect was observed. The GPS-Sp is a valid, reliable and sensitive instrument for assessing pain in a Spanish-speaking population and could facilitate pain relief in this population.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

Agreement in the assessment of metastatic spine disease using scoring systems

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