Comparative effectiveness of Maitland Spinal Mobilization versus myofascial techniques on pain and symptom severity in women with Fibromyalgia syndrome: A quasi-randomized clinical trial with 3-month follow up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to determine which manual therapy approach is more effective in addressing health status by improving symptoms (sensory, cognitive, emotional, and social) in patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quasi-randomized clinical trial with 3-month follow-up was conducted in 52 female patients (age 52.5 ± 8.1 years) affected by rheumatologist-diagnosed Fibromyalgia and evaluated at the Asociación de Fibromialgia y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica (AFINSYFACRO) in Móstoles and AFIBROM, Madrid, Spain. Two manual therapy approaches were applied: the myofascial technique approach (MTA) and Maitland Mobilization Approach (MMA). The study examined the following outcomes: Widespread Pain, Symptom Severity, Impact on Quality of Life, Perceived Pain, Sensitization-Associated Pain, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, and Psychological, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors. Patient Satisfaction was also assessed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups over time for most variables. However, the MTA group showed significant improvements in pain intensity, central sensitization, general health, sleep quality, and anxiety compared with the MMA group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of between-group differences in all variables over time, MTA may be useful in the treatment of fibromyalgia, reducing pain, central sensitization, and negative emotional symptoms, as well as improving general health and sleep quality. Due to problems during the study, randomization was abandoned. This problem becomes a virtue by taking advantage of the situation to apply statistical compensation methods, which will serve as a guide for future research that suffers from this problem. We suggest the inclusion of longer follow-up periods in future studies.

Influence of Aquatic Therapy in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Case Study in a Special Education School.

Cerebral palsy results in the progressive loss of motor functions, with a negative impact on daily activities and participation. Despite the well described benefits of aquatic therapy in children, little is known about the effects of the same in school settings. This study aimed to describe the experience of children and youth with cerebral palsy participating in an aquatic therapy program within a special education school considering their educational and therapeutic perspectives. A qualitative descriptive case study with embedded units was developed, comprising 27 participants. This study employed purposeful sampling to include children and youth with cerebral palsy from the Asociación Ayuda a la Paralisis Cerebral (APACE) special education school, together with their parents, the special education teachers, and health care professionals. Data were collected via non-participant observation, semi-structured and informal interviews, focus groups, and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was conducted, revealing the following themes: (a) the connection with the environment; (b) postural improvements and mobility; (c) the opportunity to perform tasks; (d) learning and transfer. A motivating environment leads to physical, cognitive and social benefits, both at school and in the home. Aquatic therapy was viewed as a means for learning and participation. These findings may enhance understanding regarding the potential benefits of implementing multidisciplinary aquatic therapy programs in specialist school settings.