Study of the influence of regular practice of water aerobics on joint flexibility of a Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) patient: A single case study

Resumen

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), with 700 cases worldwide, is a chromosomal genetic disorder (2q23-24), caused by a spontaneous mutation in the ACVR1 gene, transforming endothelial cells into bone, restricting the movements and vascularization of the muscles affected by bone neoformation. As there are no specific therapies, the objective of this study was to identify the effects of a water aerobics exercise program on some indicators of body functionality and structure, with the aim of providing a better quality of life to patients.  The research was an intrinsic, descriptive, quantitative, investigation-action case study with a volunteer with FOP. A multidisciplinary group was organized to characterize the physiological and anthropometric conditions and to develop a program of water aerobics exercises. From January to July 2014, a total of 50 hydrogymnastics sessions of 50 minutes each were carried out for 3 days a week to verify the effects on anthropometric variables and joint flexibility. Considering the evaluation of the effects of the water aerobics exercise program on flexibility, the results revealed that the amplitudes of the right shoulder, left shoulder, left wrist, left knee, right ankle and left ankle joints did not change; The right elbow, left elbow, right wrist, and right knee joints increased the flexion angle. Regarding the range of joints, it was possible to observe gains in the range of joints not fully calcified by the disease, which suggests that some joint mobility exercises may be beneficial in patients with FOP. The study is unique, without a control group and, being a case study of a volunteer with a disease of faster progression at her age, it makes it difficult to interpret the results.  The results obtained are unexpected and opposite to those often obtained with healthy individuals or with other pathologies. Thus, this study suggests that this program of physical exercises of water aerobics in patients with FOP may be indicated, and further studies are needed to confirm these results or to identify the most recommended type of exercise for these patients.