Rheumatology Advance Access originally published online on July 14, 2009
Rheumatology 2009 48(9):1147-1151; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kep208
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Improvements of muscle strength predicted benefits in HRQOL and postural balance in women with fibromyalgia: an 8-month randomized controlled trial
1Department of Sport and Health, 2Health Sciences and Technologies Research Center, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal, 3Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain, 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jyväskylä Central Hospital, 5Department of Health Sciences, 6Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä and 7Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Correspondence to: Pablo Tomás-Carús, Department of Sport and Health, University of Évora, Reguengos de Monsaraz, 14, 7000-727 Évora, Portugal. E-mail: ptc{at}uevora.pt
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Abstract |
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Objective. To evaluate whether changes in muscle strength due to 32 weeks of supervised aquatic training predicted improvements on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Methods. Thirty women with FM aged 50.8 ± 8.7 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15), performing 3 weekly sessions of 60 min of warm-water exercise; or to a control group (n = 15). HRQOL was evaluated using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured at 60°/s and 210°/s in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric action and at 60°/s in knee extensors eccentric action. Postural balance was evaluated using the one-leg stance, eyes closed.
Results. After 32 weeks of water exercise therapy, statistically significant improvements occurred in concentric knee flexors and extensors strength at 60°/s, in eccentric knee extensors and in postural balance. The treatment led to additional improvements in physical function, role physical problems, body pain, general health, vitality, role emotional problems and mental health dimensions of SF-36. Gains in the concentric knee flexors strength predicted improvements in role of physical problems, whereas those in concentric knee extensors did the same for mental health and role emotional problems. Gains in eccentric knee extensors strength predicted improvements in postural balance.
Conclusions. A long-lasting exercise therapy in warm water produced relevant gains in muscle strength at low velocities of movements, some of which predicted improvements in physical problems, emotional problems, mental health and balance.
Trial registration. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN53367487 [controlled-trials.com] , information available in http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN53367487.
KEY WORDS: Fibromyalgia, Pool exercise, Muscle strength, Quality of life
Submitted 26 March 2009;
revised version accepted 17 June 2009.
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