Aquatic Exercises for the Pain of individuals with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: This study aims at verifying the effects of two aquatic exercise programs – general exercises or passive relaxation – on the pain of individuals with fibromyalgia. Material and Methods: Sixteen individuals with fibromyalgia concluded the study, and were divided randomly in three groups. The GA (group A) was submitted to a program of general aquatic exercises and the GB (group B) to a program of aquatic passive relaxation. The GC (Group C) acted as a control. The assessments were done during eight weeks in a row, twice a week, in one-hour sessions. The Analogous-numeric scale was used before and after the eight weeks and immediately before and after each session. The data were compared among the groups and each volunteer. Results: When results before and after each therapy were analyzed, both groups had a significant reduction in the pain (p = 0.001 for both). Comparing both groups, there was a difference between them (p = 0.001), once GB (group B) had the best results. Conclusion: Both treatment programs proved to be efficient in the reduction of pain in individuals with fibromyalgia, when compared to a control group. When the influence of the complete program on pain was evaluated, the group that performed general aquatic exercises had a higher improvement. However, when the pain was evaluated before and after each therapy, no significant differences were found. DESCRIPTORS Fibromyalgia. Exercise. Relaxation. Hydrotherapy, Pain.