Aquatic exercise and Far Infrared (FIR) modulates pain and blood cytokines in fibromyalgia patients

Salm et al, 2020 [double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study; n= 28; female; aged from 30 to 69] aimed to evaluate the effect of the association of aquatic exercise (AE) with FIRc upon biochemical markers of pain and inflammation (TNF, IL -6, and IL -10), as well as pain thresholds and quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) female patients. Participants were randomized into two groups: (1) AE + FIRc in which participants were asked to wear T-shirts imprinted with a FIR emitting ceramics and (2) AE + placebo T-shirt (without FIRc). Both groups underwent the same protocol. The AE program consisted of 18-50 min sessions conducted 3 times a week over a period of 6 weeks in a heated (32±2°C) pool (12m x 6m x 120cm). The participants were supervised by trained physiotherapists. The exercises used for both groups included stretching and strengthening of the major muscle groups of the lower and upper extremities and trunk. All participants were advised to wear the T-shirts for six to eight hours a night (during sleep). Results showed that treatments decreased pain, body temperature, improved quality of life and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in both groups; however, these beneficial effects were more pronounced in aquatic exercise (AE) + Far-Infrared (FIR) group. Suggesting that the association of AE to FIR increases the benefits of aquatic exercise in patients with FM.