Impact of water therapy on pain management in patients with fibromyalgia: current perspectives

The Benefits of an Integral HAMMAM Experience Combining Hydrotherapy and Swedish Massage on Pain, Subjective Well-Being and Quality of Life in Women with Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an integral HAMMAM experience, a 4-week therapeutic program that combined hydrotherapy and Swedish massage, applied in a multisensorial immersive environment, on pain, well-being and quality of life (QoL) in women with endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain that is unresponsive to conventional treatment. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 44 women with endometriosis. They were randomly allocated to either the 'HAMMAM' group (n = 21) or to a control group (n = 23). The primary outcome, pain intensity, was evaluated using numeric rating scales (NRSs). The secondary outcomes were pain interference, pain-related catastrophic thoughts, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), subjective well-being, functional capacity and QoL, which were evaluated using the brief pain inventory (BPI), the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), algometry, the subjective well-being scale-20 (EBS-20), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 (PROMIS-29) and the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 Questionnaire (EHP-30), respectively. The primary and secondary outcomes were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. The statistical (between-group analyses of covariance) and clinical effects were analyzed by the intention to treat. Results: The adherence rate was 100.0% and the mean (± standard deviation) satisfaction was 9.71 ± 0.46 out of 10. No remarkable health problems were reported during the trial. The 'HAMMAM' intervention improved dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia after the intervention with large and moderate effect sizes, respectively. Improvements in pain interference during sleep and PPTs in the pelvic region were also observed in women allocated to the 'HAMMAM' group. No effects were observed in catastrophizing thoughts, well-being nor QoL, except for the sleep subscale. Conclusions: A 4-week program of an integral 'HAMMAM' experience combining hydrotherapy and massage in a multisensorial immersive environment is a feasible and effective intervention to alleviate pain during menstruation and sexual intercourse as well as pain interference with sleep in women with endometriosis.

Comparing the Effects of Aqua- and Land-Based Active Cooldown Exercises on Muscle Soreness and Sport Performance: A Randomized Crossover Study

OBJECTIVE

Limited research has directly compared the effectiveness of aqua- and land-based exercises for postexercise recovery. This study aimed to fill this gap by comparing the effects of these 2 types of exercises on postexercise recovery.

METHODS

Sixteen male college athletes participated in an 8-day experimental study. The initial 2 days were dedicated to determining the intensity levels for the muscle-damaging exercise and recovery jogging. In a crossover design, participants underwent 2 sets of experimental trials. They were randomly assigned to either an aqua or land recovery intervention for days 3 to 5, and after a 1-week washout period they switched to the opposite intervention for days 6 to 8. Muscle soreness, creatine kinase, anaerobic performance, countermovement-jump height, and flexibility were assessed at different time points: baseline, immediately after downhill running, within 1 hour after jogging, and 24 hours and 48 hours after aqua or land jogging.

RESULTS

Significant group × time interaction effects were detected in the perceived soreness of the hamstring and quadriceps. However, the post hoc analysis showed no significant difference between aqua and land jogging groups. No significant group × time interaction effect was observed in creatine kinase, anaerobic performance, countermovement-jump height, or flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Aqua and land jogging have similar recovery effects on muscle soreness and performance-based parameters.

Novel Insight into the Association between Balneotherapy and Functional State and Health Perception in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Epidemiological data indicate that low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people globally in 2020, representing a significant health and economic burden. Additionally, chronic LBP (cLBP) strongly impairs quality of life and leads to disability and premature retirement, thus emphasizing the need for providing deeper insight into the factors that affect treatment outcomes and for offering thorough guidance for the assessment and management of this condition. Taking into consideration the rising prevalence of cLBP and the knowledge gap referring to the overall health benefits of balneotherapy (BT), the aim of this study was to assess the effects of BT on functional status, quality of life, and psychological symptoms in patients with cLBP. Methods: Among 220 patients from the database, two groups were retrospectively identified: patients receiving conventional pharmacological therapy (CT) and patients receiving BT. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through a visual analog scale for pain intensity, EuroQol (EQ-5D), and the Work Ability Index Questionnaire. In order to provide deeper insight into the quality of life and also factors associated with functional status and mental health affected by BT, we also used the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire and the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Both age and treatment protocol were found to have a significant impact on all observed parameters, i.e., older patients and those receiving CT tended to report lower overall health and physical functioning. On the other hand, BT was associated with better functionality and disability perception status. Conclusions: Understanding the association between individual perceptions of functionality and its emotional and social elements provides a basis for providing comprehensive guidelines and recommendations for cLBP management.

Management of Fibromyalgia: An Update

Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition marked by abnormal pain processing, impacts a significant part of the population, leading to reduced quality of life and function. Hallmark symptoms include widespread persistent pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and mood changes. Through this updated review, we aim to contribute to the evolving understanding and management of fibromyalgia, offering insights into the diverse tools available to improve the lives of those affected by this challenging condition. Management begins with educating patients to ultimately relieve them of unnecessary testing and provide reassurance. Treatment emphasizes a comprehensive approach, combining nonpharmacological interventions such as aforementioned education, exercise, and psychotherapy, alongside pharmacologic management-namely duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin, and amitriptyline-which have consistent benefits for a range of symptoms across the spectrum of fibromyalgia. Notably, drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are generally not recommended due to limited efficacy and associated risks. Lastly, a variety of other medications have shown promise, including NMDA-receptor antagonists, naltrexone, and cannabinoids; however, they should be used with caution due to a small amount of evidence and potential for adverse effects.

Efficacy of aquatic vs land-based therapy for pain management in women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of two physiotherapeutic interventions - aquatic therapy (AT) and land-based therapy (LBT) - for reducing pain in women with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN

Single-blind, randomised controlled, equivalence trial.

SETTING

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Association in A Coruña, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty women with fibromyalgia were assigned at random in a 1:1 manner to two groups: AT (n = 20) and LBT (n = 20).

INTERVENTIONS

Two therapeutic exercise programmes, with 60-min sessions, were undertaken three times per week for 12 weeks. Sessions were carried out in groups by a trained physiotherapist.

OUTCOME

The primary outcome was pain intensity (visual analogue scale). The secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold (algometer), quality of life (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) and physical ability (6-Minute Walk Test). Patients were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks (post-treatment) and 18 weeks (follow-up). The statistical analysis was per-protocol. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance. Effect size was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 50 [standard deviation (SD) 9] years, with median body mass index of 27 [interquartile range (IQR) 25-30] kg/m2 and median symptom duration of 11 (IQR 6-15) years. No differences were observed between the groups post-treatment, but differences in favour of AT were found in pain intensity [2.7 (IQR 1.5-4.9) vs 5.5 (IQR 3.3-7.6); p= 0.023; large effect, Cohen's d= 0.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-1.5] and sleep quality [12.0 (IQR 7.3-15.3) vs 15.0 (IQR 13.0-17.0); p= 0.030; large effect, Cohen's d= 0.8; 95% CI 0.1-1.5] at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that AT is better than LBT for reducing pain intensity and improving sleep quality after 6 weeks of follow-up. AT may be a good treatment option for women with fibromyalgia.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02695875 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Aquatic therapy improves self-reported sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on pain, sleep quality, psychological symptoms, quality of life, and health status in people diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PEDro and Scopus databases. Articles were eligible if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) analysing the effects of aquatic therapy in adult people diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and published by October of 2022 in English or Spanish. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was employed to conduct the methodological quality assessment of the encompassed studies, and the overall quality of evidence for each comparison was determined using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Of 375 articles found, 22 met the inclusion criteria. Forest plot analysis of Pittsburgh sleep quality index at short- and mid-term follow-up showed a trend in favour of aquatic therapy, although not statistically significant, with weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.71 (95% CI: -4.17 to -0.75, p = 0.17). Heterogeneity was substantial (χ2 = 8.74, df = 5 (p < 0.000001; I2 = 95%). Relating the pain outcome by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) short term showed a trend in favour of the aquatic therapy group with WMD = -5.04 (95% CI: - 9.26 to - 0.82, p =  = 0.02) with heterogeneity χ2 = 11.07, df = 4 (p = 0.03; I2 = 64%). Great heterogeneity was found between trials in medium term.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of aquatic therapy as an adjunct treatment to usual care in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Aquatic therapeutic exercise improves the symptomats of sleep quality, pain, and quality of life of adults with fibromyalgia. Further research on long-term outcomes may contribute to the currently available evidence.

Pain neuroscience education improves quality of life when added to aquatic exercise therapy for women with fibromyalgia: randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adding Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) to an aquatic therapy protocol on pain, fibromyalgia (FMS) impact, quality of life and sleep.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five women were randomly allocated into two groups: aquatic exercises (AEG, n = 36) and aquatic exercises + PNE (PNG, n = 39). The primary outcome was pain, and the secondary outcomes were FMS impact, quality of life, sleep and pain sensitivity (pressure pain thresholds - PPTs). Participants performed 45-min sessions of aquatic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks. PNG also received 4 PNE sessions during this period. Participants were assessed four times: initial (before treatment), after 6 weeks (intermediate) and 12 weeks (final) of treatment and after 12 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up).

RESULTS

Both groups improved pain after treatment, with no difference between them (p > 0.05, partial ƞ2 0.10). FMS impact and PPTs improved after treatment with no difference between groups, and sleep did not change. Quality of life improved several domains for both groups, with slightly better results for the PNG, with low effect sizes between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results show that the addition of PNE to an aquatic exercise intervention did not provide larger effects than aquatic exercises alone for people with FMS concerning pain intensity, but provided benefit for health-related quality of life for this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03073642, version 2, April 1st, 2019).

PERSPECTIVE

The addition of 4 Pain Neuroscience Education sessions to an aquatic exercises protocol did not add benefits for women with fibromyalgia syndrome on pain, fibromyalgia impact, and sleep, but improved quality of life and pain sensitivity.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAquatic exercises are commonly prescribed, but patient education is crucial for the treatment.The addition of Pain Neuroscience Education to an aquatic exercises protocol did not add benefits for women with fibromyalgia syndrome.The positive changes on quality of life and pain sensitivity that this combination led to had small effect sizes and did not achieve minimal important clinical difference.

Effects of aquatic physical therapy on clinical symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The main feature of fibromyalgia syndrome is extensive musculoskeletal pain and tenderness. It not only has a significant impact on patients but also brings a huge burden to families and society. Exercise is considered to be the most important part of the fibromyalgia treatment, and aquatic physical therapy can be considered one of the most recommended interventions. Therefore, the effects of aquatic physical therapy on fibromyalgia patients were discussed in this article.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aquatic physical therapy on clinical symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

METHODS

Eight databases were retrieved. "Fibromyalgia," "Aquatic Therapy," "Aquatic Exercise," and "Hydrotherapy" was used for retrieval. Randomized controlled trials of the effects of aquatic physical therapy on patients with fibromyalgia were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess research quality. Meta-analysis was performed by Revman version 5.3.

RESULTS

Finally, 14 articles (762 patients) were included in the analysis. Compared with other exercises or no exercise, aquatic physical therapy has more significant effects. There were significant differences in visual analogue scale (MD: - 0.98, 95%CI: - 1.36 to - 0.60, Z = 5.03, P < .00001), six minute walk test (MD: 38.12, 95%CI: 13.65 to 62.59, Z = 3.05, P = .002), fibromyalgia impact questionnaire total scores(MD: - 7.35, 95%CI: - 13.05 to - 1.65, Z = 2.53, P = .01), vitality of short form 36 (MD: 9.53, 95%CI: 0.62 to 18.43, Z = 2.10, P = .04) and general health of short form 36 (MD: 10.39, 95%CI: 1.42 to 19.36, Z = 2.27, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Aquatic physical therapy may have some benefits on the clinical symptoms, physical function, and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.

Effect of Steroids on Patients With Fibromyalgia/Chromic Widespread Pain: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

Fibromyalgia causes widespread chronic pain. Pain management and treating underlying conditions are of utmost importance. Recent studies found an association of thyroid autoimmunity with fibromyalgia. Pain management of patients with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab) positive was studied sparsely. To determine the effect of steroid (deflazacort) on pain management using numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective observational study was undertaken, recruiting patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia as per 2010 American College of Rheumatology guidelines and treated with the steroid, deflazacort 12 mg. Patients with missing details were excluded. Patients were categorized into negative, positive, and strongly positive anti-TPO Ab groups. Baseline and follow-up (3 months) pain score was compared across the groups. Reduction in pain was considered as a primary outcome variable.

RESULTS

The study included 128 participants with 98 (76.6%) females and 30 (23.4%) males. The age of the study population was 48±13.29 years. The proportion of hyper, hypo, and euthyroid was 10 (7.81%), 42 (32.81%), and 76 (59.38%), respectively. The proportion of participants with negative, positive, and strongly positive anti-TPO Ab levels was 41 (32.03)%, 50 (39.06%), and 37 (28.91%), respectively. Baseline pain score was 7.3±1.32 and 3-month follow-up was 4.7±2.46. Steroid response was found in 66 (51.6%). Negative and positive anti-TPO Ab had a 1-point reduction in pain score from baseline, p-value <0.001. The strongly positive group had 5 points reduction, p-value<0.05.

CONCLUSION

Fibromyalgia patients with thyroid autoimmunity responded well to short courses of steroids. Greater pain relief was observed among those who are strongly positive anti-TPO Ab group.

Perturbation-based Balance Training in Adults Aged Above 55 Years with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Effects of Water versus Land Medium - A Preliminary Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

'Rapid balance reaction' or 'perturbation' training is an emerging paradigm in elderly back pain rehabilitation due to its connection to postural stability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to inform the feasibility and practicality of perturbation-based balance training (PBT) using a stratification approach and to determine the effectiveness of land versus water-based PBT in elderly individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

METHODS

Elderly CLBP participants (n=24) received exercise interventions as per treatmentbased classification (TBC) and were randomly allotted into water-based perturbation exercises (WBPE, Mean age=63.0±2.6years, n=12) and land-based perturbation exercise group (LBPE, 62.3±2.6 years, n=12). Pain intensity, disability, scores of fear-avoidance beliefs, fall efficacy, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed before and at the end of 6 weeks.

RESULTS

WBPE group reported a significant reduction in pain score (median difference(MD)):2, p<0.03), fear avoidance behaviour for work (MD:9, p<0.01) and fear avoidance behaviour for physical activity (MD:10, p< 0.05), improved straight leg raise right (SLR) (MD:37.5°, p<0.05), and improved modified fall efficacy scores (MFES, MD:25, p<0.05) compared to the LBPE group at post-intervention. Within-group analysis in both groups revealed significant improvement in clinical outcomes except for fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity in the LBPE group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the high BMI elderly CLBP group of LBPE had significant improvements similar to the WBPE group except for scores of FABQ physical activity scores and SLR.

CONCLUSION

Possible key factors for future research are discussed in the realms of perturbation exercise in the elderly with CLBP.

Effectiveness of aquatic training based on aerobic and strengthening exercises in patients with fibromyalgia: systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, limited physical function, and reduced quality of life. Aquatic training is recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic training based on aerobic and strengthening exercises in improving symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Randomized clinical trials that compared aquatic therapy with either a control group or a land-based exercise group were included. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed the GRADE guidelines.

RESULTS

six randomized clinical trials comprising 9 publications showed that aquatic therapy had statistically significant benefits compared to no intervention, including pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia impact, depression, physical function, and mental health in the short term. In the medium term, improvements were observed in fibromyalgia impact, physical function, and mental health. However, aquatic therapy was not found to be superior to land-based exercise.

CONCLUSION

low to very low certainty of evidence suggested that aquatic training may reduce pain, fibromyalgia impact, fatigue and depression and improve physical function and mental health in patients with fibromyalgia. Further studies should investigate the medium and long-term effects of aquatic training using larger sample sizes.

Exercise-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-analysis

The main aim of this umbrella review was to assess the impact of exercise-based interventions (EBIs) on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). We searched systematically in PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Methodological quality was analyzed using AMSTAR and ROBIS scale, and the strength of evidence was established according to GRADE. Nine systematic reviews were included. Meta-analysis (MA) of primary studies (n = 42) were performed with a random-effects model. The MA revealed a moderate statistically significant effect of EBIs (SMD=-0.46 [-0.69 to -0.23]). Subgroup analyses by type of exercise showed significant effect of body-mind exercises (SMD=-0.55 [-0.86 to -0.23]) and combined exercises (SMD=-1.11 [-2.12 to -0.11]) but not for aerobic (SMD=-0.04 [-0.15 to 0.07]) or strength (SMD=-0.52 [-1.14 to 0.1]) exercises in isolation. The results obtained showed that EBIs were effective in improving sleep quality compared to minimal intervention, no intervention or usual care, with a low certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses showed that mind-body and combined exercises elicited the strongest effect, while aerobic and strength exercise in isolation did not show significant effects.

Effects of Combined Training Programs in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disease characterised by chronic widespread muscular pain and its treatment is carried out by pharmacological interventions. Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle act as an important mechanism in reducing the symptoms of the disease. The aims of this study were to analyse and systematise the characteristics of combined training programs (i.e., type and duration of interventions, weekly frequency, duration and structure of training sessions and prescribed intensities) and to analyse their effects on people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A systematic literature search was performed using the PRISMA method and then randomised controlled trial articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the quality and risk of the studies. A total of 230 articles were selected, and in the end, 13 articles met the defined criteria. The results showed different exercise interventions such as: combined training, high-intensity interval training, Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, body balance and strength training. In general, the different interventions were beneficial for decreasing physical symptoms and improving physical fitness and functional capacity. In conclusion, a minimum duration of 14 weeks is recommended for better benefits. Moreover, combined training programs were the most effective for this population, in order to reduce the symptoms of the disease with a duration between 60 and 90 min, three times a week with a light to moderate intensity.

Non-pharmacological therapies in Fibromyalgia: New horizons for physicians, new hopes for patients

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterised by reduced quality of life and severe limitations in daily living activities. Considering the wide spectrum of symptoms and the ineffectiveness of a single pharmacological approach, the latest clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological therapies as both an alternative and a better-tolerated approach. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in the management of FM.

AIMS

Through a literature review, this paper aims to describe the different complementary therapies and investigate their potential sustainability and effectiveness on FM symptoms in the short and/or long term.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using broad search terms up to June 2022, to identify all types of study designs restricted to human subjects on non-pharmacological therapies in FM.

RESULTS

Recent evidence demonstrated that physical activity is the mainstay of therapeutic management, highlighting the relevance of walking as the best method of exercise in FM patients. Nevertheless, adherence to physical activity remains fraught with obstacles that could be overcome with a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of passive therapies. The effectiveness of passive non-pharmacological therapies remains however unproven in the long term. They can be therefore suggested as 'adjunct' or 'bridge' therapy to improve adherence to physical activity.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, FM management requires a multimodal and symptom-based approach, guided by the predominant bothersome symptom on the one hand, and the preferences of each patient on the other hand.

Effectiveness of aquatic therapy on sleep in persons with fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by persistent, widespread pain, myofascial tenderness, negative affect, fatigue, memory problems and sleep disturbances.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence of the effects of aquatic therapy on sleep quality in patients with FMS.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2020 (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), whit the registration number CRD42021249982. Cochrane library, Medline (PubMed), Science Direct Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and PEDro were searched from inception until September 2021. The search included only randomized clinical trials.

RESULTS

Of the 7711 studies identified in the initial search, a total of 7 trials (361 participants) satisfied the eligibility criteria. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted with 6 studies (311 participants). The overall pooled effect favored aquatic therapy interventions in improving sleep quality in patients with FMS (pooled MD, -2.05; 95% CI, -4.35 to 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that aquatic therapy improved sleep quality in patients with FMS. This study highlights the importance of aquatic therapy for sleep. Nonetheless, although an aquatic therapy intervention may represent a good option to improve sleep, given the low number of studies the evidence should be taken with caution.

Water therapies (hydrotherapy, balneotherapy or aqua therapy) for patients with cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Water therapies as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy or aqua therapy are often used in the relief of disease- and treatment-associated symptoms of cancer patients. Yet, a systematic review for the evidence of water therapy including all cancer entities has not been conducted to date.

PURPOSE

Oncological patients often suffer from symptoms which in patients with other diseases are successfully treated with water therapy. We want to gather more information about the benefits and risks of water therapy for cancer patients.

METHOD

In May 2020, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and PubMed) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of water therapy on cancer patients.

RESULTS

Of 3165 search results, 10 publications concerning 12 studies with 430 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with water therapy were mainly diagnosed with breast cancer. The therapy concepts included aqua lymphatic therapy, aquatic exercises, foot bathes and whole-body bathes. Outcomes were state of lymphedema, quality of life, fatigue, BMI, vital parameters, anxiety and pain. The quality of the studies was assessed with the AMSTAR2-instrument, the SIGN-checklist and the IHE-Instruments. The studies had moderate quality and reported heterogeneous results. Some studies reported significantly improved quality of life, extent of lymphedema, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue and BMI while other studies did not find any changes concerning these endpoints.

CONCLUSION

Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodical limitations of the included studies, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of water therapy on cancer patients is not possible.

Therapeutic Patient Education for Fibromyalgia during Spa Therapy: The FiETT Randomized Controlled Trial

Spa therapy is known to improve quality of life and diminish pain. We assessed the efficacy (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-FIQ) and safety at 6 months of a fibromyalgia-specific therapeutic patient education (TPE) program added to fibromyalgia-specific standardized spa therapy (SST), compared to SST alone, in a controlled randomized trial. We enrolled 157 patients, mostly women, attending spa centers in Southwest France in 2015–2016, and randomized them to SST + TPE (79) or SST (78). The intention-to-treat with “missing as failure” analysis showed a tendency toward a higher, though non-significant, benefit with TPE than without for FIQ (−9 vs. −3; p = 0.053) or pain intensity (−0.9 vs. −1.1; p = 0.58). In addition, pain relief (+3.2 vs. +4.3; p = 0.03) and fatigue (−1.6 vs. −3.7; p = 0.02) were significantly improved, and 87% patients in the SST + TPE arm still regularly practiced the physical exercises taught to them at 6 months. We suspect significant and lasting improvement from spa therapy, as well as our already well-informed and well-managed participants, to have prevented the demonstration of a significant benefit of TPE on FIQ.

Pool-based exercise for amelioration of pain in adults with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of pool-based exercises on pain symptomatology among adults with fibromyalgia syndrome.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using PRISMA guidelines. Database search was conducted by two independent reviewers. For meta-analysis, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain was used as the primary outcome and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score was utilized as the secondary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 42 out of 292 potentially eligible studies were selected for being read in full by reviewers, 14 of which were included in meta-analysis, being 10 of them used in sensitivity analysis of either the primary or secondary outcome. Data pooled from 10 randomized controlled trials (n = 508) revealed that patients who underwent pool-based exercises exhibited a significantly lower mean in VAS score as compared to controls (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.09). Regarding FIQ scores, data from 10 randomized controlled trials were pooled (n = 578) and a lower mean score was also shown in the group that underwent a pool-based exercise program (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.09). Limitations of this study include the small sample size and moderate dropout rates in currently available clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Pool-based exercise may provide some additional benefit for pain relief in adults with fibromyalgia as compared to either land-based or no physical exercise.

IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Collectively, these findings suggest that pool-based exercise deserves further attention as a potential adjuvant therapeutic option for adults with fibromyalgia. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019136755.

Aquatic exercise improves functional capacity, perceptual aspects, and quality of life in older adults with musculoskeletal disorders and risk of falling: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effects of an aquatic training program on functional capacity, perceptual aspects, and quality of life (QoL) performed by older adults with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and moderate/high risk of falls.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial included 120 older adults assigned to aquatic exercises (AG; n = 60; 70.62 ± 6.04 years) and a control group (CG; n = 60; 71.86 ± 6.95 years). The risk of falls, perceptual aspects (fall risk awareness and pain), functional capacity (lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, functional mobility, and balance) and QoL were assessed at baseline and after the experimental protocol. The AG performed 16 weeks of aquatic exercises (twice per week, 45 min.session^-1) with lower and upper body strength, stretching, and balance exercises. Exercise intensity was controlled using the rate of perceived exertion (12-16 on the Borg scale [6-20 points]) and heart rate (progressing from 40% to 60% of the heart-rate reserve).

RESULTS

The training program improved the lower (mean difference [95% CI]: 2.7 [2.0 to 3.3]) and upper body strength (3.5 [2.6 to 4.5]), lower (4.6 [3.4 to 5.8]) and upper body flexibility (6.5 [4.3 to 8.6]), functional mobility (-2.5 [-2.9 to -1.9]), and balance (11.2 [10.6 to 11.9]); reduced pain perception (-3.2 [-3.7 to -2.8]); increased the fall risk awareness (9.5 [8.8 to 10.1]) and QoL perception (5.6 to 22.6 [4.6 to 25.1]).

CONCLUSIONS

The water-based program may be used as a preventive approach for the older adults with MSDs and at risk of falling to improve physical and usual perceptual aspects (QoL and pain) and fall risk awareness.

Raising burden of non-communicable diseases: importance of integrating Yoga and Naturopathy at primary care level

Primary health care is a vital component in health care delivery. Non-communicable diseases (NCD's) are rising like a major threat to human survival, which is expected to account for 75% of the total mortality by 2030. Lifestyle and behavioural changes are reckoned as the way ahead. Yoga and Naturopathy, a drugless system of medicine has intersecting paradigms which addresses all planes of health effectively. Yoga and Naturopathy through its holistic approach educate and make the people responsible for their own health. It has shown its efficacy in alleviating and preventing various NCD's. A systematic approach should be initiated, which can channelize the integration of Yoga and Naturopathy at the primary care level considering its cost-effectiveness and efficacy over NCD's.

Effects of water- and land-based exercises on quality of life and physical aspects in women with fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is consistently associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, and anxiety and depression, affecting physical capacities and skills and thereby reducing quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water-based and land-based therapies as an adjuvant treatment for women with FM in relation to quality of life and physical aspects.

METHODS

FM women were randomized into a water-based exercise group (WG) and land-based exercise group (LG). The interventions were conducted for 8 weeks, three times a week, and each therapy session had a 60-min duration. Evaluations were performed before and after intervention using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale, the number of tender points (TPs), and the Wells bench sit and reach test score.

RESULTS

Both interventions produced significantly positive clinical effects in most aspects evaluated. However, only WG obtained significant improvements for the variables functional capacity, number of TPs, and flexibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that water-based exercise is effective as an adjuvant FM treatment, including FM-related physical and psychological health aspects.