Rodríguez-Huguet (2024) Aquatic Exercise in Physical Therapy Treatment for Fibromyalgia Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of aquatic exercise programs in physical therapy treatment for fibromyalgia. The review included four high-quality randomized clinical trials conducted between 2019 and 2024, encompassing 157 participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia, predominantly women aged around 48.5 years. Key outcomes assessed were pain reduction and quality of life improvements, measured through tools such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36).

Aquatic therapy interventions demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief and quality of life. The water environment facilitated low-impact exercise, enhancing joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall well-being. Compared to land-based therapies, aquatic exercise often produced equivalent benefits, underscoring its role as a safe and effective treatment option. However, individualization of exercise programs remains critical to optimizing outcomes.

Despite these findings, the study noted limitations such as the absence of long-term follow-ups and a lack of participant diversity. Future research should focus on refining intervention protocols and exploring broader applications of aquatic therapy in fibromyalgia treatment.