Table 1_Clinical, functional, and quality-of-life characteristics of women with comorbid fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome and their associations with FIQR scores.docx

Given that exercise is a first-line non-pharmacological intervention for FM, detailed baseline characterization may inform future exercise-based research. This study aimed to describe the physical, functional, symptomatic, and quality-of-life profile of women with FM+IBS comorbidity in relation to FM severity, assessed continuously and, secondarily, categorically using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR).</p>Methods<p>This cross-sectional observational study, conducted at IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis” (Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy), enrolled 33 women (mean age 47.7 ± 8.6 years) diagnosed with FM (2016 ACR criteria) and IBS (Rome IV criteria).

Participants were stratified into three groups by FIQR score: Remission/Mild (n=7), Moderate (n=13), and High Severity (n=13). FIQR total score was analyzed as a continuous exposure using Spearman correlations with bootstrapped 95% CIs as the primary analysis; the three-group stratification was retained as a secondary, exploratory presentation. Assessments included pain (VAS), tender points, gastrointestinal symptoms (IBS-SSS), kinesiophobia (TSK), sleep quality (PSQI), physical activity (IPAQ), functional fitness tests, and quality of life (SF-36).</p>Results<p>Perceived pain showed the strongest association with FIQR severity (Spearman’s rho=0.57, p<0.001), with values nearly doubling in the High Severity versus Remission/Mild stratum.