Affiliations: [a] Myosymmetries, #300, 290 Midpark Way S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 1P1, Canada | [b] 92 North Fourth St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935, USA | [c] Myosymmetries International, Unit 230, 156 St., 87 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9, Canada
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Stuart Donaldson, Ph.D., #300, 290 Midpark Way S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 1P1, Canada. Tel.: +1 403 225 0900; Fax: +1 403 225 2389; E-mail: myo@cadvision.com
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is characterized by diffuse pain, the origin of which remains obscure. This study explored a phenomenon labeled Diffuse Muscle Coactivation (DMC) as a possible source of pain in fibromyalgia. DMC is defined as an increase from resting levels (tonus) in the electrical activity of any muscle during a movement which does not involve that muscle and is not part of the agonist-antagonist unit. When compared to controls this activity in persons with fibromyalgia was 1.75 times more prevalent and demonstrated significantly higher peak amplitudes. Possible neurological mechanisms are discussed.
