Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Thalassotherapy and otaridotheraphy in
patients with rheumatic fibromyalgia, medical
and psycho-social parameters
Cerrada A (1) , Barceló N (2) , Pesquer M (2) , Sebastiá S (2) , Fernández S (3) , Paredes J (3) ,
Sandemetrio P (3) , Tejedor A (3) , Palmero F (3) , Romero M (3) , Barrón SW (3) , Martin F (3) ,
Arrambide E (3) , Rodríguez S (3) , Introini G (3)
(1) Centro de Talasoterapia Elba Estepona. Málaga. Spain
(2) Asociación Felizia. T.A.M.M., Spain
(3) Delfinario Selwo Marina, Benalmádena. Málaga. Spain
alatriste28@yahoo.es
Introduction and Objectives
According to international definition of thalassotherapy is the use of the benefits
of marine elements with a preventive or curative purpose. Some of these elements
are the micro and macroorganisms, so assisted therapy with marine mammals could
be a part of thalassotherapy.
There are several therapies to treat psychophysical diseases, although the combination
of them could be the most effective way to help symptomatology and/or
improve the quality of life.
There are several therapeutic models based on animal encounters that are successful.
Therapy with sea lions is fairly new but certainly effective.
This is a therapy that uses thalassotherapy and otariids(sea lions) to improve
movement, balance, coordination and psychological aspects.
Objectives: Evaluate characteristics of patients attending a thalassotherapy and
otaridotherapy program and the determination of medical and psychological parameters
before and after therapy.
Materials and Methods
Questionary prior to treatment to collect the following patient data:
Age; gender; civil status; origin precedence; Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.
(FIQ); geriatric syndromes (incontinence, falls, constipation, sensory deficits,
memory, insomnia and emotional condition); previous Zooterapia; main pathology;
concomitant pathology; number of drugs; blood pressure; heart rate; respiratory
rate; level of anxiety; state of mood; sensation of pain: increased self-esteem, motivation,
sleep, mobility, balance, coordination and relaxation; objective evolution;
subjective evolution; therapy was developed in several phases; medical consultation:
gathering information… .
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 108-109
108
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4