The Effectiveness of Functional and Therapeutic Bandaging and Kinesiotherapy on the Quality of Life of Patients with Fibromyalgia

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.0159682617061

• Palavras-chave: Bandaging, Fibromyalgia, Kinesiotherapy.

• Keywords: Bandaging, Fibromyalgia, Kinesiotherapy.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic syndrome characterized by a pre-established pattern of chronic, diffuse pain—primarily muscular—in at least 11 of 18 tender points, of nonspecific etiology, and predominantly affecting women. Currently, scientific studies suggest neurotransmitter dysfunction caused by alterations in the central pain control mechanism, which may result from hyperactivity of excitatory neurotransmitters. The symptomatic picture includes paresthesia in the hands, headache, fatigue, and stiffness, compromising functionality and quality of life. The bandage is an elastic tape that acts according to the pressure applied and the type of cut used for each case. Through tactile stimuli provided by the bandage’s contact with the skin, it triggers proprioceptive and, consequently, motor responses, resulting in analgesia. Objectives: To describe the effectiveness of functional taping on quality of life and functional ability and to assess the applicability of kinesiotherapy and functional taping in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Methodology: The study design was characterized by a quantitative, semi-experimental, before-and-after paradigm, approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB): 5.318.790. The physical therapy intervention was performed on 12 female patients, aged between 39 and 68 years, who were randomly divided into two groups; 10 sessions of 40 minutes were conducted for each group. The first group of 6 participants used the bandage on specific pain points tailored to each patient and underwent kinesiotherapy. The second group underwent active, assisted, and active kinesiotherapy. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Tender Point Map were administered. Inclusion criteria were patients with a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and exclusion criteria were patients without a definitive diagnosis. Results: The findings revealed pain in the upper trapezius, lumbar, and cervical muscles. Both groups exhibited overall muscle relaxation following kinesiotherapy, with a maximum initial VAS score of 9 and a final score of 4. The group that used the Functional Bandage reported a longer time to pain reduction; by the second day of the intervention week, they had a lower VAS score than the control group that did not use the bandage. Final Considerations: The functional bandage is a complementary modality that provides constant exteroceptive stimulation, which reorganizes and stretches myofascial tissues and consequently relaxes them and reduces pain, while kinesiotherapy stimulates local tissue metabolism and also releases endorphins to reduce pain. It is believed that the combination of these two approaches promotes a sense of well-being and a better quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.