Effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness, pain levels, and perceived health status in individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome

The effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness, pain, and perceived health status of women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) were investigated. Forty-six women who had been diagnosed with FS were randomly divided into 2 groups, Exercise and Education. An 8-week aquatic exercise program and an 8-week Arthritis Self-Help Training Program were administered to the two groups respectively. Tests administered, pre and post treatment, included Functional Fitness Assessment and Body Mass Index (physical fitness); Tender Point Analysis and Visual Analog Scales (pain); Health Status Questionnaire SF-36 and Dartmouth General Health Coop Charts (perceived health status). Significant improvements were found in body composition and flexibility in the Exercise group only, and agility, coordination, and strength in both Education and Exercise groups. Pain had mixed results with significant improvement in several areas. Only the Exercise group improved in upper and lower extremity pain, and both Exercise and Education groups improved in neck, chest, and lower back pain. There were also significant improvements in the Exercise group in Mental Health, and Energy/Fatigue. Significant improvement took place in both groups in perceived health status in the following areas: Health Perception, Bodily Pain, Perception of Performance of Daily Activities, Pain, Positive Changes in Health, and Overall Health. It is therefore concluded that a regular warm-water exercise program is helpful in achieving improvements in pain symptomology, perceived health status, and selected components of physical fitness in order to slow down the deconditioning and deterioration that takes place. Education is also helpful, though to a lesser degree.