Quality of Life Perceived by Patients with Fibromyalgia Submitted to Physiotherapeutic Intervention

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia submitted to a kinesiotherapeutic protocol in the aquatic environment. Material and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out with 20 patients divided into two intervention groups. Group A (n = 10) – patients submitted to a kinesiotherapeutic protocol in the aquatic environment (hydrokinesiotherapy) and acupuncture and Group B (n = 10) - patients treated using hydrokinesiotherapy. The study was conducted with users of the national health care system at the Clinic of the School of Physiotherapy / UFPB. To collect data, a physiotherapy evaluation form and the SF-36 questionnaire were used. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, Wilcoxon test to compare quantitative variables and the Mann-Whitney test for analysis of dichotomous variables. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of women was 56.2 ± 6.8. In ⅔ of users, per caput family income was ˂ 2 minimum wages. In both groups, there was a statistically significant difference between the beginning and end of intervention. Only for the pain domain (p <0.001), significant difference was found between groups. Conclusion: The study showed that hydrokinesiotherapy associated or not to acupuncture is an effective method to improve the quality of life and functionality of patients with fibromyalgia. DESCRIPTORS Fibromyalgia. Physiotherapy. Hydrotherapy. Acupuncture.