Impact Of Dash Diet Combined With Under-Water Training On Quality Of Life, Functional Capacity, And Pain Management In Obese Women With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background and purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the efficacy of combining the DASH diet with underwater training in improving quality of life, enhancing functional capacity, and reducing pain in obese women with fibromyalgia.

Methods: "A total of 100 obese women with fibromyalgia participated in this study, which aimed to investigate the effects of combining the DASH diet with aquatic exercises on quality of life, functional capacity, and pain management. Trial participants were recruited from Green Apple clinic in El-Mahalla, utilizing the American College of Rheumatology (ARC) classification criteria to identify eligible individuals.

The inclusion criteria for participants are as follows: an age range of 30-45 years, a body mass index (BMI) range of 28-40 kg/m², and either primipara or multipara status. All participants were healthy women without any serious underlying diseases.

Exclusion criteria include: history of epileptic fits, cardiac conditions, pacemaker use, heavy smoking, renal, liver, or endocrine disorders, pulmonary or lung diseases, skin diseases, and infectious conditions.

Participants were divided into two equal groups: Group A (the control group) and Group B (the study group). Group A consisted of 50 obese women with fibromyalgia who performed aquatic exercises on an underwater treadmill, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Group B consisted of 50 obese women with fibromyalgia who were following the DASH diet, which emphasizes reduced sodium intake, increased consumption of fortified foods, and a wholesome diet emphasizing fresh fruits, crunchy veggies, nutritious whole grains, lean protein sources, and nourishing healthy fats. Participants in Group B also performed aquatic exercises on an underwater treadmill, 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

Outcome measures included: BMI, assessed using a weight and height scale; pain, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); inflammatory condition, assessed using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; and functional capacity and quality of life, assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). These outcomes were measured at baseline and post-intervention for both groups."

The study was approved by Research Ethical committee of the faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University with approval number P.T.REC/012/005764 on 6-3-2025.

Results: The results revealed no significant differences in BMI, VAS, CRP, and ODI scores between the two groups at baseline. However, post-treatment analysis showed a significant decrease in mean BMI, VAS, HsCRP, and ODI scores in both groups, with a more pronounced decrease observed in Group B.

The findings of this study suggest that the combination of the DASH diet and underwater exercising led to significant improvements in quality of life, functional capacity, and pain management in obese women with fibromyalgia (FMS). These findings highlight the value of comprehensive approaches in managing symptoms among fibromyalgia patients.