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A pragmatic community-based intervention of multimodal physiotherapy plus deep water running (DWR) for fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study

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Abstract

Evidence-based recommendations support the use of multimodal therapy and hydrotherapy for fibromyalgia syndrome; however, there is little standardisation of such programmes. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a pool-based exercise using deep water running (DWR) as part of a multimodal physiotherapy programme for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. For a non-randomised clinical study, 44 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were recruited from primary care. Patients in the experimental group received a multimodal programme incorporating pool-based exercise using DWR three times a week for an 8-week period. The control group received a leaflet containing advice and continued with normal activities. Patients were evaluated for physical function (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, FIQ), pain, general health (Short Form-12 Health Survey) and quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale-5D) pre- and post intervention. Statistically significant results were found for the experimental group for FIQ total score, incorporating physical function, pain, fatigue, stiffness and psychological variables (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences between the experimental group and control were also found for general health (p < 0.05) and quality of life (p < 0.05). The results of this pilot study and the high level of compliance and adherence and low level of attrition suggest that this multimodal programme incorporating DWR is a safe and effective intervention for fibromyalgia syndrome that is acceptable to patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Av. Martiricos s/n, 29009, Malaga, Spain

    Antonio I. Cuesta-Vargas

  2. School of Health, Community and Education Studies, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Nicola Adams

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  1. Antonio I. Cuesta-Vargas
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  2. Nicola Adams
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Correspondence to Antonio I. Cuesta-Vargas.

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Cuesta-Vargas, A.I., Adams, N. A pragmatic community-based intervention of multimodal physiotherapy plus deep water running (DWR) for fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Clin Rheumatol 30, 1455–1462 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1825-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1825-z

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