# The Influence of Rehabilitation Programs on the Mental State and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Comparative Cohort Study from Romania

## TL;DR

This study compares two rehabilitation programs for fibromyalgia patients in Romania, finding that a combination of physical and water therapy improves quality of life and mental health more than relaxation therapy.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that a combined physical and hydrotherapy program is more effective for fibromyalgia rehabilitation than intrinsic relaxation.

## Key findings

- The study group showed significant improvement in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and anxiety scores.
- The control group only showed significant improvement in anxiety scores.
- Combined physical and hydrotherapy outperformed relaxation therapy in fibromyalgia rehabilitation.

## Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) affects millions of people around the world, causing widespread physical pain, exhaustion, and psychological disorders. Through this study, we aim to observe the effectiveness of two different rehabilitation programs in reducing the impact of FM on daily functioning and psychological factors. Specifically, we compare a complex conservative program that combines physical therapy and hydrokinetotherapy in a hospital setting with a therapy focused on intrinsic relaxation. Methods: This comparative study involved 63 patients aged between 19 and 69 years diagnosed with FM, divided into two groups: the study group (SG, 32 participants) and the control group (CG, 31 participants). Over 90% of participants are female, 30 in the study group and 28 in the control group. SG followed a conservative physiotherapy combined with thermal water therapy, and CG followed a recovery program through intrinsic relaxation. Participants were evaluated on the first and last day of the rehabilitation program using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham—A). The rehabilitation program consisted of 10 sessions conducted over a period of two weeks. Results: After the two-week recovery period, the results showed a significant improvement in both FIQR and Ham—A scores in the study group (p < 0.001). In the control group, there were no significant changes in FIQR variables (p > 0.05), while a significant improvement was observed on the anxiety scale (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of hydrokineto-therapy and physical therapy is more effective in improving the overall condition of patients with FM compared to relaxation.