Effectiveness of aquatic therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled open study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aquatic exercises in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 63 patients were included and allocated to two groups. Group I (n = 33) received an aquatic exercise program and Group II (n = 30) received a home-based exercise program for 60 min, 3x a week, over 5 weeks. Patients were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), number of tender points (NTP), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and functional capacity (fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, FIQ). All assessment parameters were measured at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. There were statistically significant differences in FIQ and NTP in both groups at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.05). Group I showed a statistically significant decrease in BDI scores after 4 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05) that remained after 24 weeks (P < 0.001). In Group II, a significant decrease in BDI scores was observed at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.001). Also, a significant improvement was found in VAS at weeks 4 and 12 in both groups (P < 0.001). The average of reduction in pain scores was 40% in Group1 and 21% in Group II. However, this was still significant at week 24 only in the aquatic therapy group. A comparison of the two groups showed no statistically significant difference for FIQ, NTP, and BDI scores except VAS (P < 0.001) Our results showed that both aquatic therapy and home-based exercise programs have beneficial effects on FIQ, BDI, and NTP. In pain management, only aquatic therapy seems to have long-term effects.

Niefarmokologiczne metody leczenia fibromialgii / Non-pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia

“…The conclusion is that both methods are equally effective in terms of influencing the functional condition of the FM patients [29].…”

“…Efektem tych analiz jest wniosek, że obie metody należy uznać za równorzędne w kontekście ich wpływu na stan funkcjonalny pacjentów z FM [29].…”

Physikalische Therapie: Therapiemittel Wasser (2)

“…In einer klinischen Studie an 61 Patienten waren die messbaren Effekte der von den Patienten zu Hause durchgeführten aeroben Übungen gleich gut wie die von unter Anleitung eines Physiotherapeuten durchgeführten hydrotherapeutischen Übungen (Verminderung der Schmerzen, Verbesserung der Stimmung, Verbesserung der Funktion). Die Effekte dauerten jedoch in der Gruppe der von einem Physiotherapeuten behandelten Patienten länger an [5]. In einer einfach-blinden klinischen Studie wurde der Verlauf einer Hüftarthrose oder einer Kniearthrose nach einer sechswöchigen hydrotherapeutischen Behandlung versus keine Behandlung untersucht.…”

Aquatics for Individuals with Disabilities: Research Implications

“…The addition of aquatic exercise and water running to the literature on aquatics for individuals with disabilities broadened this category and heralded a new era of expansion in the field. Most recently, the effects of aquatic participation on disability specific populations is gaining in frequency, as evidenced by the investigation of aquatic exercise participation on individuals with fibromyalgia (Evcik, 2008;Gangaway, 2006;Gowans & deHueck, 2007). In more recent decades, individuals with disabilities also increased their presence in competitive aquatics, prompting additional research threads in that category.…”