AB0147 CAN WATER HOLD THE KEY TO MANAGING FIBROMYALGIA? A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF AQUA THERAPY’S IMPACT ON PAIN, FATIGUE, AND OTHER SYMPTOMS
Authors: N. Un Yildirim, C. S. Karatas, C. Soylu
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Fibromyalgia (FM), also known as soft tissue rheumatism, is a debilitating pain syndrome characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. The origin is unknown, but it is a disease accompanied by both physical and impaired quality of life (QoL), fatigue, sleep disorders, and psychological factors. The solution of these symptoms is very important both financially and spiritually.Interest in the development of non-pharmacological treatments is increasing. The creation of programs and applications that will facilitate physical activity and reduce sedentary living can reduce the burden and cost of chronic diseases on health systems, as well as providing significant improvements in health and other benefits. Physical activity has been used in the treatment of fibromyalgia in recent years and is considered the first option for treatment. It has been shown that FM syndrome has a central rather than a peripheral or muscular basis. Therefore, it is important to add functional treatment options, not only physical ones.Hydrotherapy is one of the most common treatments for relieving musculoskeletal pathologies. The water environment is widely used for recreational, sporting, and therapeutic activities. <h3>Objectives:</h3> The aim of our study is to investigate the overall effectiveness of hydrotherapy on FMS in current approaches, and to be a summary and guide for treatments. A compilation of research on the effects of exercise interventions on disease effects, sensitivity, body composition, functional capacity, quality of life, and cognitive function will be conducted. <h3>Methods:</h3> The EMBASE, PubMed, ProQuest, Medline, and PEDro databases were searched using the mesh terms "fibromyalgia", "fibromyalgia syndrome", "FM", "FMS", "aqua therapy", "aquatic therapy", "water therapy", and "pain". A total of 778 articles were found. The inclusion criterion for the search was randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals in English from 2010 onwards, with results only for FMS. The exclusion criterion was non-randomized controlled trials and articles written before 2010. The PRISMA criteria were followed in the writing stage. A systematic review was conducted on the studies that have been done on the general effects and results of hydrotherapy on patients with fibromyalgia. <h3>Results:</h3> Nine of the 778 articles found met the eligibility criteria. The studies were generally conducted by comparing land and water over sessions of at least 6 weeks and 60 minutes. The water level in the pool was adjusted to the chest level of the people and the same type of exercises were used in both. When the general results were examined, it was found that water exercise programs had positive effects on variables related to body composition, functional conditioning, especially upper and lower extremity strength, and hand grip strength. It also shows that water exercise programs are beneficial for cognitive functions. The importance of continuity has been emphasized and it has been stated that it contributes to the increase in VO2 at peak KPET in women with FMS. In addition, water biodance has contributed to improvements in anxiety, pain, and other fibromyalgia symptoms, especially sleep quality. In addition to these, a study concluded that limiting the use of indoor gyms increased situational anxiety and decreased body acceptance. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> In view of these results, it is seen that physical exercise programs performed in water are a non-pharmacological treatment type that should be considered in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients, improving symptoms and quality of life. Finally, it has also started to be used as a treatment method aimed at improving proprioception for the newly observed balance disorder in FM, but high-quality scientific studies are needed to emphasize that water physiotherapy is one of the most recommended treatment options for this syndrome. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>