AQUATIC EXERCISES DECREASE PAIN, STRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Numerous researches related to aquatic exercises have been carried out with the objective of verifying what impact it has on certain diseases, where the results are satisfactory. The study aims to evaluate the effects of an aquatic exercise protocol on the pain, stress and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: Exploratory, longitudinal and quantitative. The research subjects were women who present generalized painful symptoms of unknown cause and with tender points sensitive to palpation, and/or who have already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. RESULTS: The predominant age of the participants was 30 to 39 years. Regarding the pain of the patients, it was evidenced that there was a considerable improvement in the pain condition, the first assessment the mean VAS score was around 6 (± 1.17), after the treatment, the average was reduced to 2 (± 1.05; P < 0.05), there was also a reduction in the mean Generalized Pain Index (initial = 10.63 and final = 6.68; P < 0.01). In relation to stress (initial = 29.31 ± 5.29; 60 days = 14.16 ± 3.93) and quality of life (initial = 14.47 ± 4.35; 60 days = 8.84 ± 4.11), the values were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when compared to the beginning of treatment. CONCLUSION: the aquatic exercise was effective in decreasing pain, stress and improving the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.