Pool-based exercise for amelioration of pain in adults with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Modern rheumatology 2021-07, Vol.31 (4), p.904-911
• Main Authors: Galvão-Moreira, Leonardo Victor, de Castro, Lailson Oliveira, Moura, Ed Carlos Rey, de Oliveira, Caio Marcio Barros, Nogueira Neto, João, Gomes, Lyvia Maria Rodrigues de Sousa, Leal, Plínio da Cunha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Exercise - physiology; exercise therapy; Exercise Therapy - methods; Fibromyalgia; Fibromyalgia - pathology; Fibromyalgia - therapy; Humans; hydrotherapy; Pain; Pain Management - methods; Surveys and Questionnaires; Swimming Pools
• ISSN: 1439-7595; 1439-7609
• DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1829339

To evaluate the effects of pool-based exercises on pain symptomatology among adults with fibromyalgia syndrome. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using PRISMA guidelines. Database search was conducted by two independent reviewers. For meta-analysis, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain was used as the primary outcome and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score was utilized as the secondary outcome. A total of 42 out of 292 potentially eligible studies were selected for being read in full by reviewers, 14 of which were included in meta-analysis, being 10 of them used in sensitivity analysis of either the primary or secondary outcome. Data pooled from 10 randomized controlled trials (n = 508) revealed that patients who underwent pool-based exercises exhibited a significantly lower mean in VAS score as compared to controls (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.09). Regarding FIQ scores, data from 10 randomized controlled trials were pooled (n = 578) and a lower mean score was also shown in the group that underwent a pool-based exercise program (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.09). Limitations of this study include the small sample size and moderate dropout rates in currently available clinical trials. Pool-based exercise may provide some additional benefit for pain relief in adults with fibromyalgia as compared to either land-based or no physical exercise. Collectively, these findings suggest that pool-based exercise deserves further attention as a potential adjuvant therapeutic option for adults with fibromyalgia. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019136755.