Effects of a 16-week hydrotherapy program on three-dimensional scapular motion and pain of women with fibromyalgia: A single-arm study

Author(s)

Avila, Mariana Arias ^[1] ; Camargo, Paula Rezende ^[1] ; Ribeiro, Ivana Leao ^[1] ; Alburquerque-Sendin, Francisco ^[2] ; Zamuner, Antonio Roberto ^[1] ; Salvini, Tania Fatima ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Phys Therapy Dept, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, POB 676, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Cordoba, Sociosanitary Sci Radiol & Phys Med Dept, Cordoba - Spain

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS; v. 49, p. 145-154, NOV 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Background: Although hydrotherapy is widely used to treat women with fibromyalgia, no studies have investigated the effects of this intervention on scapular kinematics in this population. This study verified the effectiveness of a hydrotherapy program on scapular kinematics, pain and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: Twenty women completed the study and performed three evaluations before treatment (to establish a baseline), and two other evaluations (after 8 and 16 weeks of hydrotherapy) at the end of treatment. Three-dimensional kinematics of the scapula was evaluated during arm elevation in two different planes with the Flock of Birds system. Patients also answered quality of life and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaires and had pain assessed with a digital algometer. Treatment consisted of 2 weekly hydrotherapy sessions, lasting 45 min each, for 16 weeks. Data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA (for kinematics results) and one-way ANOVA (for the other variables). Effect size was assessed with Cohen's d coefficient for all quantitative variables. Results: Although an important improvement was achieved in terms of pain and quality of life (P < 0.05, effect sizes varied from 1.93 to 1.61 depending on the variable), scapular kinematics did not change after treatment (P > 0.05, effect sizes from -0.40 to 0.46 for all kinematic variables). Interpretation: The proposed program of hydrotherapy was effective to improve quality of life, pain intensity and fibromyalgia impact in women with fibromyalgia. However, scapular kinematics did not change after the period of treatment. Although symptoms improved after the treatment, the lack of changes in scapular kinematics may indicate these women have an adaptive movement pattern due to their chronic painful condition. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/50303-5 - Study of the sensorial, perceived pain, quality of life and biomechanical adaptations associated to physical therapy intervention in the fibromyalgic syndrome
• Grantee: Tania de Fatima Salvini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/22122-5 - Study of the biomechanical, sensorial, cardiorespiratory and quality of life adaptations associated to physical therapy intervention in the fibromyalgic syndrome
• Grantee: Tania de Fatima Salvini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants