Reaction Time in Fibromyalgia Patients

Background Fibromyalgia has unknown aetiology and is associated with reduced information processing speed and therefore prolonged reaction time. However, the processes underlying this are unknown. Objectives First, to compare the reaction time in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and a matched group of normal controls. Second, to assess whether detailed symptoms of pain and autonomic function, as well as measures of tinnitus, fatigue, daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. Methods The between-groups mean serial five-choice reaction time difference was assessed in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and in a matched group of normal controls in an analytical case- controlled study. With the mean serial five-choice reaction time as the dependent variable for the fibromyalgia group, a mixed stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with inputs relating to pain, dysautonomia, tinnitus, fatigue, daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Results The mean (standard error) serial five-choice reaction time for the fibromyalgia group was 448.4 (23.0) ms, compared with 386.3 (8.3) ms for the control group (p = 0.007). The final multiple linear regression model (p < 0.001; adjusted R-2 = 0.772) contained 13 predictors: eight sensory pain and three affective pain parameters, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG and IgA assay results. Conclusion Certain sensory and affective pain parameters, as well as Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, appear to be predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. Further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which they affect information processing is warranted and may shed light on the aetiology of fibromyalgia.