OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment by hydrotherapy on quality of life, perception of pain and the severity of depression in a group of patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 64 females divided into two groups: hydrocinesiotherapy (n = 33, 58.2 +/- 10.6 years) and control group (n = 31 with 59.6 +/- 9.4 years) with clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Individuals were assessed by visual analog scale of pain (VAS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants underwent a treatment in a hydrotherapy pool heated to 33degreeC over a period of 15 weeks, two sessions per week of 45 minutes, a total of 30 sessions. The exercises were underwater: cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, mobility, coordination, balance and still, stretching exercises and muscle relaxation. The ANOVA 2x2 and Kruskall-Wallis was used for statistical analysis RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in the perception of pain intensity (delta% -28.2%, p < 0.01), quality of life (delta% -32.4%, p < 0.05) and depression symptoms (delta% -35.4%, p < 0.05) in favor of the hydrotherapy group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that hydrocinesiotherapy was effective as an alternative therapy for fibromyalgia, however further studies are recommended to test the associations between the variables and intervention programs and using the water activities, and the modifiability of the parameters of physical and mental health when these individuals undergo programs of short, medium and long duration.

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