AQUATIC RESPIRATORY EXERCISE IN PERCEIVED PARAMETERS IN SUBJECTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA

C. Tanaka, M.R. Ide , C.V. Ferro , I.M.M. Laurindo Physiotherapy, State University of Sao Paulo - FMUSP, Physiotherapy, University of the West of Paraná, Rheumatology, State University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilObjectives: This study aim to assess the effects of an aquatic respiratory exercise protocol in perceived parameters in subjects with fibromialgia.Methods: 35 women with fibromialgia (according to American College of Rheumatology criteria), between 20 and 60 years old, were recruited. Subjects answered questionnaires to assess the quality of life and functional capacity (SF-36, FIQ), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), quality of sleep (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index). They also had measured their pain (VAS) and number of tender points. Volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups: water exercises (Gwater) and control group (Gcont). Gwater (n=18) performed a 4-weeks water respiratory exercises protocol, 4 times a week, 1-hour-each. Gcont (n=17) performed activities different from exercise in the 4 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata, version 8.0. Statistical significance for all analyses was set at p<.05. To confirm the initial homogeneity between the groups, groups had their age, height and weight compared through paired t-test. Baseline and post-test results in the groups were analyzed through paired t-test.Results: Groups were similar at baseline to age (p>.718), height (p>.881) and weight (p>.722). Significant differences were found between Gwater and Gcont for the SF-36 questionnaire (physical functioning – p=.001, bodily pain – p=.001, vitality – p=.001, social functioning – p=.001, role emotional – p=.001), FIQ (total score – p=.030, days of missed work – p=.035, fatigue – p=.011, sleep – p=.007), fatigue (p=.016), anxiety (p=.005), quality of sleep (p=.004) and VAS-pain (p=.029).Conclusions: Aquatic respiratory exercises improve the quality of life, functional capacity, anxiety, fatigue, quality of sleep and pain of subjects with fibromyalgia.Citation: Ann Rheum Dis, volume 65, supplement II, year 2006, page 675Session: Physiotherapy