Assiss, M.R., Silva, L.E., Alves, A.M.B., Pessanha, A.P., Valim, V., Feldman, D., Leite de Barros Neto, T., Natou, J. (2006). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Deep Water Running: Clinical Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise to Treat Fibromyalgia. Arthritis Care and Research, 55(1), 57-65.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a water-based vs. a land-based aerobic exercise program in 60 sedentary women with Fibromyalgia (FM). Though both groups improved significantly, the water-based participants rated themselves as clinically improved earlier in the study than the land-based participants. The authors concluded that a water-based program may be as effective as one that is land-based for treating pain, and may be even more advantageous for managing emotional issues. Furthermore, water-based programs may be a promising source of aerobic exercise for patients with FM whose weight bearing activity may be limited and exercise in a warmed pool may be contribute to exercise compliance.

For the full abstract summary, go to http://www.ncpad.org/462/2340/A~Randomized~Controlled~Trial~of~Deep~Water~Running~~
Clinical~Effectiveness~of~Aquatic~Exercise~to~Treat~
Fibromyalgia~.