Exercising in a heated pool reduces the symptoms of fibromyalgia, according to a study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.
A team of researchers studying fibromyalgia and exercise randomly placed 33 women with fibromyalgia to two groups: One group took part in supervised training exercises in warm water for an hour three times a week over a period of eight months while the remaining 16 did no aquatic training.
The researchers found that this long-term aquatic exercise program was effective in reducing symptoms and improving the health-related quality of life of the participants. In an earlier study, the researchers had shown that even a short-term exercise regimen could reduce symptoms but pain would return once the patients stopped exercising.
The researchers, based in Spain and Portugal, have yet to compare aquatic training with other forms of exercise, such as low-impact aerobics, walking, and tai-chi.
I've heard that the Y will grant a certain number of memberships based on income. And some of the Arthritis Foundation swim classes are held at other locations. Check them out online, or call the Arthritis Foundation phone number in your phone book. I bet they've helped a lot of people like us get to those classes.
Take care,
Pattyfvb
I would highly recommended warm water exercises. The minute I get in the warm water I start to relax. The other people in my class all suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc. and some even come in a wheel chair. The combination of exercising and socializing in a group has wonderful benefits. Check your local Y. As for me, I go to a gym connected with a hospital and am enrolled in the aquatic wellness program. Do some searching on the internet and if possible try out some programs.
The Arthritis Foundation also has some information available. I bought Good Living with Fibromyalgia and a Workbook but find that getting to the pool at least two days a week works wonders.
Thank you, Evelyn K.
Good Luck
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