Effects of complex decongestive therapy and aquatic physiotherapy on markers of the inflammatory process in individuals with lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphedema is a progressive and inflammatory disease caused by impaired lymphatic transport. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and aquatic physiotherapy on markers of the inflammatory process and lower limb volumes in individuals with lymphedema. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with three groups: patients with lymphedema submitted to CDT, patients with lymphedema submitted to aquatic physiotherapy, and control group of individuals without lymphedema. The evaluation was performed through blood count, CRP measurements, C3, C4 complement, measurement of serum levels of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins 4 (IL-4), 6 (IL-6), and 10 (IL-10), and the volume of a lower limb using the volume formula of a truncated cone. The study was registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-4tpkszn). RESULTS: Our work showed a reduction in the TNF-α levels of patients in the CDT group (p = .028). Significant differences were found between the control group and the CDT group for IL-10 (p = .049) and Monocytes (p = .039). No significant reduction in limb volume was found. CONCLUSION: Our results show that CDT was able to significantly reduce the inflammatory marker TNF-α in patients with lymphedema, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of the therapy.

WATSU therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve quality of sleep and quality of life: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to verify whether adding WATSU to land-based therapy leads to additional beneficial therapeutic effects regarding quality of sleep and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD. MATERIALS & METHODS: A randomized control trial design was used. Participants completed nine-week interventions. The control group (CG) received land-based therapy, while the intervention group (IG) received the same land-based therapy and additionally WATSU. Sleep quality and QOL were measured at baseline and post-interventions by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Nottingham Health Profile, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants completed the study. In contrast to CG, the IG presented with significant improvements in both, quality of sleep and QOL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WATSU has the potential to be an attractive adjunct therapy for producing positive health impacts regarding sleep quality, which may translate to an overall improvement in QOL of individuals with PD.

Aquatic physiotherapy: a vestibular rehabilitation option / Fisioterapia aquática: uma opção de reabilitação vestibular

Abstract Introduction: Vestibular rehabilitation is a fundamental resource for vestibular symptom control. Its performance in the aquatic environment is considered safe for the physical activities of the elderly, because they act simultaneously on musculoskeletal disorders and balance improvement. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an aquatic physiotherapy protocol in individuals with peripheral vestibular alterations. Methods: This was an interventional case study with a paired intentional sample of four subjects, who were selected for convenience. The subjects, all of them diagnosed with peripheral vestibulopathy, were submitted to twelve sessions of aquatic physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation, being evaluated for dizziness in three moments: initial, after six sessions and at the end of the sessions. The tests applied were: unipodal support to measure static balance, the Fukuda stepping test, which estimates the dynamic balance and the dizziness handicap inventory protocol, aimed at verifying how dizziness influences daily life. Results: When analyzing the static balance, initially the individuals were in the adaptive and abnormal dimensions, and all reached normality at the end of the protocol. Regarding the dynamic balance, the individuals initially showed marked impairment in the angular deviation, mainly to the side of pathology (75% to the left and 25% to the right), achieving improvement at the end of the study. However, it failed to reach statistical significance. The dizziness handicap inventory showed a statistically significant difference in its totality (p = 0.0414), which addresses the physical, functional and emotional factors. Conclusion: In conclusion, the aquatic physiotherapy protocol for vestibular rehabilitation of patients with peripheral impairment was positively assessed by the participants, considering the improvement in dizziness (static and dynamic) and its impact on daily activities.

Resumo Introdução: A reabilitação vestibular se consolida como um recurso fundamental para o controle de sintomas vestibulares e sua feitura no meio aquático é considerada segura para as atividades físicas dos idosos, atua simultaneamente nas desordens musculoesqueléticas e na melhoria do equilíbrio. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um protocolo de fisioterapia aquática em indivíduos com alterações vestibulares periféricas. Método: Estudo de caso intervencional com amostra intencional pareada de quatro sujeitos, selecionados por conveniência, diagnosticados com vestibulopatias periféricas. Os sujeitos foram submetidos a 12 sessões de fisioterapia aquática para reabilitação vestibular. Foram avaliados quanto à tontura em três momentos: inicial, após seis sessões e ao término dos atendimentos. Os testes aplicados foram: o apoio unipodal para mensurar o equilíbrio estático, a prova dos passos de Fukuda que estima o equilíbrio dinâmico e o protocolo dizziness handicap inventory com o objetivo de verificar o quanto a tontura influencia na vida cotidiana. Resultados: Ao analisar o equilíbrio estático, inicialmente os indivíduos se encontravam nas dimensões adaptativas e anormais e ao término do protocolo todos atingiram a normalidade. Em relação ao equilíbrio dinâmico, os indivíduos inicialmente apresentavam grande comprometimento no desvio angular principalmente para o lado da patologia (75% à esquerda e 25% à direita), conseguiram uma melhoria no fim do estudo. Todavia, não conseguiu atingir a significância estatística. O dizziness handicap inventory obteve diferença estatisticamente significante em sua totalidade (p = 0,0414), onde aborda os fatores físicos, funcionais e emocionais. Conclusão: O protocolo de fisioterapia aquática voltado para reabilitação vestibular de pacientes com comprometimento periférico foi avaliado de forma positiva pelos participantes, considerando-se a melhoria no quadro de tontura (estática e dinâmica) e do seu impacto nas atividades cotidianas.

Perceptions of aquatic physiotherapy and health-related quality of life among people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Enablers for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) participating in aquatic physiotherapy have been identified, and exercise improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) but it is unclear whether all enablers and barriers for aquatic physiotherapy specific to the PD population have been explored. OBJECTIVE: To describe HRQoL in people with PD who have undertaken aquatic physiotherapy, and explore their perceptions and attitudes regarding the programme. METHODS: Twenty-one participants who participated in a pilot trial on aquatic physiotherapy were included. Participants completed a survey regarding their experiences. The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and Personal Well-being Index-Adult (PWI) were used to quantify HRQoL, whilst focus groups were conducted to explore their perceptions and attitudes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize HRQoL scores. Focus group data were analysed using the deductive coding method. RESULTS: Most participants felt that the aquatic programme was worthwhile (n = 20/21, 95%). However, they had poor overall well-being (mean 41.6, SD 13.5) and HRQoL (mean 31.0, SD 13.2) as measured by the PWI and PDQ-39. Several barriers to aquatic therapy including safety when getting dressed, fatigue and transport were identified although many enablers were also identified, including an improvement in function, less falls and group socialization. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic physiotherapy was well-accepted. Participants felt their function improved and felt safe in the water. HRQoL is lower in individuals with PD when compared to Australian norms; thus, interventions to optimize HRQoL need to be explored further. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients participated in the aquatic intervention, survey and focus groups.

Aquatic physiotherapy: a vestibular rehabilitation option.

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular rehabilitation is a fundamental resource for vestibular symptom control. Its performance in the aquatic environment is considered safe for the physical activities of the elderly, because they act simultaneously on musculoskeletal disorders and balance improvement. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an aquatic physiotherapy protocol in individuals with peripheral vestibular alterations. METHODS: This was an interventional case study with a paired intentional sample of four subjects, who were selected for convenience. The subjects, all of them diagnosed with peripheral vestibulopathy, were submitted to twelve sessions of aquatic physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation, being evaluated for dizziness in three moments: initial, after six sessions and at the end of the sessions. The tests applied were: unipodal support to measure static balance, the Fukuda stepping test, which estimates the dynamic balance and the dizziness handicap inventory protocol, aimed at verifying how dizziness influences daily life. RESULTS: When analyzing the static balance, initially the individuals were in the adaptive and abnormal dimensions, and all reached normality at the end of the protocol. Regarding the dynamic balance, the individuals initially showed marked impairment in the angular deviation, mainly to the side of pathology (75% to the left and 25% to the right), achieving improvement at the end of the study. However, it failed to reach statistical significance. The dizziness handicap inventory showed a statistically significant difference in its totality (p = 0.0414), which addresses the physical, functional and emotional factors. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the aquatic physiotherapy protocol for vestibular rehabilitation of patients with peripheral impairment was positively assessed by the participants, considering the improvement in dizziness (static and dynamic) and its impact on daily activities.

Effects of aquatic physiotherapy or health education program in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Different treatments have been proposed for Fibromyalgia, but only few studies have compared their effects on multiples outcomes over time. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic physiotherapy (AP) or a health education program (HEP) in a sample of women with Fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: Forty-six women with FM, aged between 25 and 60 years old, whose BMI was less than 30, were assigned to either AP (27 women) or HEP (19 women) groups in a blind randomized clinical trial lasting eleven weeks. Pain (McGill Pain questionnaire), fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised), functional capability (Fibromyalgia Impact questionnaire), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) data were collected at baseline, after six weeks and post intervention. Two-factor mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine the effects of the treatment on each outcome variable. Results: The AP and HEP interventions showed statistically significant within-group differences on all outcome measures except reducing the pain. Between-group differences was statistically significant only for impact of FM on the participant's life [F(1.82,80.41) = 31,99; p ≤ 0.01] indicating that patients receiving HEP experienced a greater decrease in FIQ than those treated with AP. Conclusion: The findings do not allow to affirm that one intervention is superior to the other for the treatment of people with FM. Future studies should investigate whether the combination of HEP and PA can be effective and long-lasting.

A 4-week community aquatic physiotherapy program with Ai Chi or Bad Ragaz Ring Method improves disability and trunk muscle endurance in adults with chronic low back pain: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a 4-week community aquatic physiotherapy program with Ai Chi or the Bad Ragaz Ring Method (BRRM) on pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Adults with CLBP (n= 44; mean ± SD age, 52.6 ± 5.5 y; 37 women) were assigned to either an Ai Chi (n= 23) or BRRM (n= 21) program (4 weeks, twice weekly). RESULTS: Both the Ai Chi (-1.4; 95% CI -2.6 to -0.2; p= .025) and BRRM (-2.0, 95% CI -3.1 to -0.8; p= 0.003) groups demonstrated significant pre- to post-treatment decreases in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores and improvements in prone bridge duration (Ai Chi: 11.7 s; 95% CI 1.6 to 21.8; p= 0.025; BRRM: 19.0 s; 95% CI 6.1 to 31.8; p= 0.006). The Ai Chi group revealed a significant improvement in single-leg stand test duration (2.9 s; 95% CI 0.1 to 5.7; p= 0.045) and the BRRM group reported significant decrease in pain intensity (-11.6; 95% CI -19.1 to -4.2; p= 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A 4-week aquatic physiotherapy program with Ai Chi or BRRM resulted in significant pre- to post-treatment improvements in disability and global core muscle endurance. Ai Chi appeared to have an additional benefit of improving single-leg standing balance and BRRM an additional benefit of reducing pain.

Trunk Stabilization by the Bad Ragaz Method in Sedentary Women / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction: Optimization of muscle strength is crucial for motor control efficiency and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: Analyze the effects of aquatic physiotherapy using the Bad Ragaz method for the strengthening and endurance of the trunk muscles. Methods: An experimental, descriptive and quantitative study. Sixteen healthy, sedentary women with an average age of 19.4±1.6 years and BMI of 22.8±2.7 took part in this study. The trunk muscle strength was evaluated using isokinetic dynamometry and abdominal (one min test) and lumbar endurance tests. Results: The Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Cochran test, t-Student parametric test and Wilcoxon non-parametric test were applied at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. There was a significant improvement in the trunk extensor muscle strength for peak torque, p = 0.000, work, p = 0.000 and power, p = 0.008. With respect to the trunk flexor muscle strength, increases in the values for work, p = 0.032 and power, p = 0.022 were detected. A significant improvement in the flexor/ extensor ratio for work, p = 0.023, was also noted, and also in the abdominal endurance (p = 0.000) and Lumbar muscular-endurance (p = 0.000) tests. Conclusions: The aquatic physiotherapy program using the Bad Ragaz method was efficient in strengthening the trunk musculature of young, healthy and sedentary women.

Trunk Stabilization by the Bad Ragaz Method in Sedentary Women / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction: Optimization of muscle strength is crucial for motor control efficiency and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: Analyze the effects of aquatic physiotherapy using the Bad Ragaz method for the strengthening and endurance of the trunk muscles. Methods: An experimental, descriptive and quantitative study. Sixteen healthy, sedentary women with an average age of 19.4±1.6 years and BMI of 22.8±2.7 took part in this study. The trunk muscle strength was evaluated using isokinetic dynamometry and abdominal (one min test) and lumbar endurance tests. Results: The Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Cochran test, t-Student parametric test and Wilcoxon non-parametric test were applied at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. There was a significant improvement in the trunk extensor muscle strength for peak torque, p = 0.000, work, p = 0.000 and power, p = 0.008. With respect to the trunk flexor muscle strength, increases in the values for work, p = 0.032 and power, p = 0.022 were detected. A significant improvement in the flexor/ extensor ratio for work, p = 0.023, was also noted, and also in the abdominal endurance (p = 0.000) and Lumbar muscular-endurance (p = 0.000) tests.Conclusions: The aquatic physiotherapy program using the Bad Ragaz method was efficient in strengthening the trunk musculature of young, healthy and sedentary women.

Avaliação do equilíbrio e do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de participantes do grupo de atividades hidrocinesioterapêuticas do Centro Universitário Franciscano em Santa Maria, RS / Evaluation of balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of a hydrocinesiotherapeutic activity group at Centro Universitario Franciscano in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

O envelhecimento associado ao sedentarismo gera mudanças nos sistemas neuromuscular, somatossensorial, vestibular e visual. O exercício físico e importante na manutenção da funcionalidade dessa população, e a fisioterapia aquática (FA) e uma opção segura e viável. Esta consiste em exercícios realizados em piscina aquecida que promovam alterações fisiológicas nos diversos sistemas do corpo, facilitando a realização de exercícios. O presente estudo avalia o equilíbrio e o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de participantes do Grupo de Atividades Hidrocinesioterapeuticas. A amostra foi composta por 23 idosos que realizaram FA uma vez por semana, com duração de 50 minutos, durante 8 semanas. A sessão foi dividida em 4 etapas: 10 minutos de aquecimento, 20 minutos de fortalecimento em geral, exercícios de equilíbrio e coordenação, e 10 minutos de alongamento e 10 minutos de relaxamento. Foram utilizados para a avaliação do equilíbrio a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6) para a avaliação do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório. As avaliações foram realizadas em três momentos: no inicio do programa de FA (Pré), 4 semanas após (Pos 1) e 8 semanas após (Pós 2). Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa nos períodos, tanto na avaliação do equilíbrio como no condicionamento cardiorrespiratório, ou seja, ao longo do programa de FA, os participantes aumentaram a distancia percorrida no TC6 e realizaram as tarefas da EEB com maior facilidade. Conclui-se que a FA tem um papel importante na manutenção do equilíbrio e do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de idosos, devendo sua pratica ser estimulada nessa população. (AU)

The aging associated with physical inactivity causes changes in neuromuscular and sensory systems. Physical exercise is important in maintaining the functionality of this population and the aquatic therapy (AT) emerges as a safe and viable option. This consists of exercises performed in a heated pool that promote physiological changes in various systems of the body. The present study assessed the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of participants of an AT group. Twenty-three elderly participated in this study. The AT program was performed 50 minutes per day, one day per week for eight week. Each session consisted of a ten-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of general strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, 10 minutes of stretching and 10 minutes of relaxation. Balance and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Test of 6-minute walk, respectively, at baseline, after four (post-1) and eight weeks (post-2). There was improvement in the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness with significant differences among three evaluations. The results showed that the AT play a major role in maintaining the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of the elderly. In this way, the AT practice should be encouraged in this population. (AU)

Avaliação do equilíbrio e do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de participantes do grupo de atividades hidrocinesioterapêuticas do Centro Universitário Franciscano em Santa Maria, RS / Evaluation of balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of a hydrocinesiotherapeutic activity group at Centro Universitario Franciscano in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

O envelhecimento associado ao sedentarismo gera mudanças nos sistemas neuromuscular, somatossensorial, vestibular e visual. O exercício físico e importante na manutenção da funcionalidade dessa população, e a fisioterapia aquática (FA) e uma opção segura e viável. Esta consiste em exercícios realizados em piscina aquecida que promovam alterações fisiológicas nos diversos sistemas do corpo, facilitando a realização de exercícios. O presente estudo avalia o equilíbrio e o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de participantes do Grupo de Atividades Hidrocinesioterapeuticas. A amostra foi composta por 23 idosos que realizaram FA uma vez por semana, com duração de 50 minutos, durante 8 semanas. A sessão foi dividida em 4 etapas: 10 minutos de aquecimento, 20 minutos de fortalecimento em geral, exercícios de equilíbrio e coordenação, e 10 minutos de alongamento e 10 minutos de relaxamento. Foram utilizados para a avaliação do equilíbrio a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6) para a avaliação do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório. As avaliações foram realizadas em três momentos: no inicio do programa de FA (Pré), 4 semanas após (Pos 1) e 8 semanas após (Pós 2). Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa nos períodos, tanto na avaliação do equilíbrio como no condicionamento cardiorrespiratório, ou seja, ao longo do programa de FA, os participantes aumentaram a distancia percorrida no TC6 e realizaram as tarefas da EEB com maior facilidade. Conclui-se que a FA tem um papel importante na manutenção do equilíbrio e do condicionamento cardiorrespiratório de idosos, devendo sua pratica ser estimulada nessa população.

The aging associated with physical inactivity causes changes in neuromuscular and sensory systems. Physical exercise is important in maintaining the functionality of this population and the aquatic therapy (AT) emerges as a safe and viable option. This consists of exercises performed in a heated pool that promote physiological changes in various systems of the body. The present study assessed the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of participants of an AT group. Twenty-three elderly participated in this study. The AT program was performed 50 minutes per day, one day per week for eight week. Each session consisted of a ten-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of general strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, 10 minutes of stretching and 10 minutes of relaxation. Balance and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Test of 6-minute walk, respectively, at baseline, after four (post-1) and eight weeks (post-2). There was improvement in the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness with significant differences among three evaluations. The results showed that the AT play a major role in maintaining the balance and cardiorespiratory fitness of the elderly. In this way, the AT practice should be encouraged in this population.

Comparing the Efficacy of Aquatic Physiotherapy and Land-based Physiotherapy for Patients after Total Knee Replacement Surgery / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the rehabilitation effects between aquatic physiotherapy and land-based physiotherapy after total knee arthroplasty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study was performed by patients with TKA caused by knee OA. The participants were divided into two groups based on random sampling method. One group received aquatic physiotherapy while the other received land-base physiotherapy. Each physiotherapy program lasted 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 1 week starting a week after the operation. Pertinent indicators, knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed, knee circumference, WOMAC index and Visual analogue scale were recorded before and after the physiotherapy programs, 1 week, 2weeks and 6 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knees circumference and VAS scores, compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1week and 2 weeks after the operation, whereas no statistical differences were found in Knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed and WOMAC index. CONCLUSION: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knee circumference and VAS scores compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1 and 2 weeks after the operation. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. We were able to conclude that aquatic physiotherapy is an alternative rehabilitation program for patients with TKA.

Comparing the Efficacy of Aquatic Physiotherapy and Land-based Physiotherapy for Patients after Total Knee Replacement Surgery / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the rehabilitation effects between aquatic physiotherapy and land-based physiotherapy after total knee arthroplasty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study was performed by patients with TKA caused by knee OA. The participants were divided into two groups based on random sampling method. One group received aquatic physiotherapy while the other received land-base physiotherapy. Each physiotherapy program lasted 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 1 week starting a week after the operation. Pertinent indicators, knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed, knee circumference, WOMAC index and Visual analogue scale were recorded before and after the physiotherapy programs, 1 week, 2weeks and 6 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knees circumference and VAS scores, compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1week and 2 weeks after the operation, whereas no statistical differences were found in Knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed and WOMAC index. CONCLUSION: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knee circumference and VAS scores compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1 and 2 weeks after the operation. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. We were able to conclude that aquatic physiotherapy is an alternative rehabilitation program for patients with TKA.

Os efeitos do método Ai Chi em pacientes portadoras da síndrome fibromiálgica / The effect of Ai Chi method in fybromialgic patients

O objetivo do estudo é demonstrar os efeitos do método Ai Chi como forma alternativa de abordagem hidroterapêutica em pacientes portadoras da síndrome fibromiálgica. Foram estudados dez pacientes; quatro fizeram parte do grupo experimento e cinco, do grupo controle, com uma desistência. As pacientes foram avaliadas através do Questionário de Impacto da Fibromialgia (QIF) e da Escala de Intensidade e Índice de dor nos Pontos Sensíveis. Foram realizadas duas avaliações, uma antes e outra após o tratamento. As pacientes foram submetidas a dez sessões do método Ai Chi, com duração de quarenta minutos. Houve melhora na intensidade da dor, de acordo com a escala da intensidade de dor nos pontos sensíveis, após a intervenção; já a qualidade de vida manteve-se sem alteração. Na qualidade de vida, observou-se que os grupos obtiveram resultados semelhantes; isso se deve ao fato que as pacientes não apresentaram melhora no seu estado depressivo. No índice dos pontos sensíveis, verificou-se diferença entre os grupos. A explicação para essa diferença deve-se possivelmente aos benefícios da imersão em água aquecida e aos efeitos do método Ai Chi. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos, o que pode ser atribuído às limitações do estudo. Desta forma, torna-se relevante a realização de novos estudos referentes à aplicação do método Ai Chi em pacientes portadoras da síndrome fibromiálgica.

The objective of this article is to show the effect of the Ai Chi method, as an alternative form of hydrotherapeutic approach in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Ten patients were studied, four were part of the experiment group and five of the control group, with one desistance. The patients were evaluated through the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (QIF) and Scale of Intensity and Index of pain in Sensible Points. Two evaluations were performed, before and after the treatment. The patients were submitted to ten sessions of the Ai Chi method during 40 minutes. The scale of intensity of pain in sensible points presented an improvement in the intensity of pain after the intervention, while quality of life remained without alteration. Regarding the quality of life, it was observed that the groups had similar results, because of the fact that patients had not presented improvement at depressive state. It was also verified a difference in the index of the sensible points between the groups; the explanation for this difference might be because of the benefits of the immersion in warm water and the effect of the Ai Chi method. There was no significant difference between the groups, which can be attributed to its limitations. In this way, new studies referring to the application of the Ai Chi method in patients carrying fibromyalgia syndrome become relevant.