Efeitos da fisioterapia aquática na qualidade de vida, algia, qualidade do sono e depressão em pacientes com fibromialgia.

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and emotional symptoms. Hydrotherapy, through water-based exercises, may offer therapeutic benefits. Objective: To evaluate the effects of aquatic physical therapy on pain levels, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Method: The study was conducted between March and May 2025, at the hydrotherapy complex of the FisioUnisc clinic, part of the Physical Therapy program at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC). Four women with fibromyalgia participated in the study and underwent five weekly sessions of aquatic physical therapy, each lasting 50 minutes. The assessment instruments used were: the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Results: Improvements were observed in all evaluated parameters. VAS scores decreased from 7 to 5.5, indicating pain relief. PSQI scores dropped from 16.5 to 11.5, revealing a tendency toward improved sleep quality. BDI scores showed a reduction in depressive symptoms, from 12.75 to 8.75. In the SF-36, several domains increased by more than 10 points, especially social functioning, general health, and perceived health change. Conclusion: The aquatic physical therapy protocol proved to be effective in reducing pain and depressive symptoms, as well as improving sleep quality and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.