Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a protocol of cryotherapy and Tai Chi on women with Fibrolmyalgia Syndrome.
METHODS
The study design was a pretest and posttest quasi-experimental, nonrandom assignment. The subjects were 48 outpatients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on the American College of Rheumatology Standards. The setting was a University Medical Center in S city. The protocol was self administered ten times a week, for a two week period resulting in twenty treatments.
RESULTS
A protocol of cryotherapy and Tai Chi self-help program showed significant improvement in the fibromyalgia impact as measured by reports of physical impairment, feeing good, number of missed work days, ability to perform work, reports of pain, fatigue, rest, stiffness, anxiety and depression as reported by the comparison group (p<.001). No significant differences between the two regarding in reports of the tender points (p=.062).
CONCLUSION
The results suggested that a protocol of cryotherapy and Tai Chi self-help program may be a promising multidisciplinary strategy for fibromyalgia patients.