Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of swimming on pain, functional capacity,
aerobic capacity, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN:
Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient clinics of a
university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Women with FM (N=75; age range, 18-60y)
randomly assigned to a swimming group (SG) (n=39) or a walking group (WG) (n=36).
INTERVENTION: The SG performed 50 minutes of swimming 3 times a week for 12
weeks, with a heart rate at 11 beats under the anaerobic threshold. The WG
performed walking with a heart rate at the anaerobic threshold, with the same
duration and frequency as the SG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were
evaluated before the exercise protocols (t0), at 6 weeks (t6), and at 12 weeks
(t12) after the onset of the protocols. The primary outcome measure was the
visual analog scale for pain.
The secondary measurements were the Fibromyalgia
Impact Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health
Survey for quality of life; a spiroergometric test for cardiorespiratory
variables; and the timed Up & Go test for functional performance. RESULTS: Patients in both groups experienced improvement in pain after the 12-week
program, with no difference between groups (P=.658).
The same results were found
regarding functional capacity and quality of life. Moreover, no statistical
difference between groups was found regarding aerobic capacity over time.
CONCLUSIONS: Swimming, like walking, is an effective method for reducing pain and
improving both functional capacity and quality of life in patients with FM.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS