Effects of hydrotherapy on quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i4.48711Keywords:
Fibromyalgia; Hydrotherapy; Quality of life; Aquatic physiotherapy; Women.Abstract
Objective: The objective of this literature review is to evaluate the benefits of hydrotherapy in reducing pain and improving the quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. Methodology: A search for articles was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, PEDro, Google Scholar, and SciELO, covering the period from 2013 to 2023 and indexed in Portuguese and English. Articles that included randomized and prospective clinical trials were selected. Results: The analyzed articles indicate that hydrotherapy, with protocols including warming up, stretching, muscle strengthening, and relaxation, offers greater benefits in reducing pain, improving functional capacity, and reducing muscle fatigue compared to exercises performed on land. Additionally, studies addressing educational programs about fibromyalgia also reported similar benefits. Conclusion: Aquatic physiotherapy offers significant benefits for women with fibromyalgia, mainly in reducing pain, improving functional capacity, and enhancing quality of life.
References
Anima. (2014). Manual revisão bibliográfica sistemática integrativa: a pesquisa baseada em evidências.
Atra, E., Pollak, D. F., & Martinez, J. E. (2010). Fibromialgia: etiopatogenia e terapêutica. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 33(2).
Britto, A., et al. (2020). Effects of water‐and land‐based exercises on quality of life and physical aspects in women with fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial. Musculoskeletal Care, 18(4), 459–466.
Carvalho, N. M. V., et al. (2021). Dor na fibromialgia e sono: uma revisão de literatura. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, 4(2), 6078–6082.
Crossetti, M. G. M. (2012). Revisión integradora de la investigación en enfermería el rigor científico que se le exige. Rev. Gaúcha Enferm.33(2):8-9.
Cruz, S., & Lambeck, J. (2018). A new approach towards improved quality of life in fibromyalgia: a pilot study on the effects of an aquatic Ai Chi program. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 21(8), 1525–1532.
D’Agostini, C. M., et al. (2018). Intervenção hidrocinesioterapêutica no equilíbrio postural e na qualidade de vida de mulheres com fibromialgia. Revista CPAQV – Centro de Pesquisas Avançadas em Qualidade de Vida, 10(2), 2.
Fonseca, A. C. S., et al. (2021). Effects of aquatic physiotherapy or health education program in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized clinical trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 37(5), 620–632.
Gavilán-Carrera, B., et al. (2023). Effectiveness of land- and water-based exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in women with fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus quasi-experimental study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 104(11), 1775–1784
Latorre, P. A., et al. (2013). Effect of a 24-week physical training programme (in water and on land) on pain, functional capacity, body composition and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 31(6 Suppl 79), S72–80.
Letieri, R. V., et al. (2013). Dor, qualidade de vida, autopercepção de saúde e depressão de pacientes com fibromialgia, tratados com hidrocinesioterapia. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 53, 494–500.
Oliveira Júnior, J. O., & Almeida, M. B. de. (2018). The current treatment of fibromyalgia. BrJP, 1(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.5935/2595-0118.20180049
Pereira A. S. et al. (2018). Metodologia da pesquisa científica. Editora UAB/NTE/UFSM.
Pita, L., Araújo, L. J. F., Fechine, J. C. O. G., Damasceno, L. C., & De Araújo, J. F. (2022). Fibromialgia associada aos transtornos mentais: Depressão e ansiedade. Visão Acadêmica, 23(1).
Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia. (2022). Fibromialgia: aspectos clínicos e ocupacionais. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 62(5), 441-452.
Román, P. Á., Santos E Campos, M. A., & García-Pinillos, F. (2015). Effects of functional training on pain, leg strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia. Modern Rheumatology, 25(6), 943–947.
Santos, D., et al. (2013). Eficácia da hidroterapia no quadro álgico de pacientes com fibromialgia. Revista Científica JOPEF, 15(2).
Santos, E. B., et al. (2012). Avaliação dos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão em fibromiálgicos. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 46, 590–596.
SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA. (n.d) Fibromialgia. Disponível em: https://www.reumatologia.org.br/doencas-reumaticas/fibromialgia-e-doencas-articulares-inflamatorias/. Acesso em: 18 abr. 2024.
Sousa Marques, L. N., et al. (2022). Quais efeitos da fisioterapia aquática com exercícios resistidos na dor, fadiga, capacidade funcional e força muscular em mulheres com fibromialgia? Brazilian Journal of Development, 8(1), 3529–3548.
Sousa, B. S. M., et al. (2018). O efeito da cinesioterapia e hidrocinesioterapia na dor, capacidade funcional e fadiga em mulheres com fibromialgia. ConScientiae Saúde, 17(3), 231–238.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcella de Carvalho Mello; Edson Donizetti Verri; Evandro Marianetti Fioco; Aline Cirelli Coppede Ribeiro; Saulo Cesar Vallin Fabrin

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.