Aquatic Therapy Research Articles

Improving water competency among children on the autism spectrum: the AquOTic randomized controlled trial.

There is a critical need for evidence-based and manualized interventions targeting water competency including swim and water safety skills tailored to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum, a group that is at a high risk of drowning. This study examined the efficacy of AquOTic-a 10-week occupational therapy-based aquatic intervention to improve water competency among children on the autism spectrum. A total of 37 children on the autism spectrum (ages 5-9 years) were randomized to a waitlist control group (n = 24) or AquOTic intervention group (n = 37; 28 males). Blinded assessors administered the standardized Water Orientation Test-Alyn (WOTA) 1 and 2 and a Swim Skills Checklist to all participants pre- and post-AquOTic/control. Repeated measures mixed effects models were used to examine intervention effects. Average WOTA 1 scores increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.7-7.8; p < 0.001), and average WOTA 2 scores increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 9.0; 95% CI: 5.7-12.3; p < 0.001). Average swim skills increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 7.6; 95% CI: 5.3, 10.0; p < 0.001). Our results highlight the efficacy of AquOTic to improve water competency among children on the autism spectrum. Further research is needed to examine long-term effects, dosage requirements to achieve water competency, and the impact of aquatic therapy on other health outcomes. clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05524753.

Effectiveness and efficiency of aquatic therapy on independence in activities of daily living and mobility in post-acute spinal cord injury: A matched case-control study.

Aquatic therapy (AT), though potentially effective, lacks studies on clinical efficacy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). A recent study analyzing interviews with rehabilitation professionals on its clinical application reported that the scarce evidence of AT benefits was one of the actual barriers to its successful integration into clinical practice. We seek to provide evidence by comparing independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional ambulation capacity in patients following rehabilitation which included AT and matched controls who followed rehabilitation without AT (non-AT). Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-III), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI-II) and its minimal clinically important difference (WISCI-II/MCID) were assessed. The AT group followed the Halliwick concept. We performed nonparametric nearest-neighbor k:1 matching for age, time since injury to admission, FIM at admission, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness and cause of injury (traumatic, non-traumatic). The rehabilitation program comprised four daily hours of intensive treatment from the multidisciplinary team. Both groups received the same total number of rehabilitation hours at the same specialized clinical center and were admitted to follow inpatient rehabilitation within 2months after injury. A total of 29 patients with SCI who followed AT (admitted between 2017 and 2023) were compared to historical matches selected from 551 inpatients with SCI (admitted between 2014 and 2023). For k=1, the groups showed no significant differences in gains, efficiency, or effectiveness in FIM and SCIM-III; significant differences were observed in WISCI-II gain (p=0.018) and WISCI-II efficiency (p=0.046) in favor of the AT group; the proportion of patients achieving WISCI-II/MCID was significantly higher for the AT group (75.9% vs. 48.3%) (p=0.030). These results were confirmed for k=2. The AT group performed similarly in independence for performing ADLs and significantly better in ambulation than the matched historical controls.

Multimove Aquatic Therapy During Inpatient Rehabilitation Improves Functional And Clinical Outcomes In Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Multimove Aquatic Therapy During Inpatient Rehabilitation Improves Functional And Clinical Outcomes In Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

The role of physical exercise in modifying cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients

Hypertension is among the top risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Diversified rehabilitation programs are needed to limit the progression of the high blood pressure condition. The welfare of aquatic therapy is acknowledged, but hydrotherapeutic procedures are rarely used in cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to assess the impact of an exhaustive hydro-kinetic thermo therapeutic program compared to other methods of treatment, i.e., cardiovascular rehabilitation program, recommendation for a healthy life, and antihypertensive medication. Four groups of patients (46 years ±0,32) diagnosed with hypertension participated in four different rehabilitation programs to analyze the impact on their effort capacity. Their ability to achieve average effort without the appearance of fatigue symptoms was studied for a period of eight weeks by monitoring six parameters: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Borg Scale, Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MRC-DS), pulse (P) and oxygen saturation (O2). Group A, which benefited only of recommendations for a healthy life, didn’t register any significant p values between the initial and final evaluation; group B, which had medications and recommendations for a healthy life, registered significant p values for 2 parameters (SBP and P have p&lt;0.0001); group C, which took part in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program, obtained significant p values for 5 parameters (SBP, DBP, Borg, MRC-DS and O2 have p&lt;0.0001); Group D, the recipient of hydrotherapeutic program, registered significant p values for all statistically 6 monitored parameters (SBP, DBP, Borg, MRC-DS, P and O2 have p&lt;0.0001). Physical activity in water performed regularly within a controlled therapeutic program with the thermal and electrotherapy components, leading to improved capacity for the effort by decreasing blood pressure values and dyspnea parameters.

Systemic Inflammatory Changes in Spinal Cord Injured Patients after Adding Aquatic Therapy to Standard Physiotherapy Treatment.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe medical condition resulting in substantial physiological and functional consequences for the individual. People with SCI are characterised by a chronic, low-grade systemic inflammatory state, which contributes to further undesirable secondary injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding aquatic therapy to the standard physiotherapy treatment, implemented in two different schedules, on systemic inflammation in SCI patients. Additionally, the relationship between cytokine blood levels and changes in functionality (measured with the 6MWT, 10MWT, WISCI, BBS, and TUG tests) throughout the study was assessed. A quantitative multiplexed antibody assay was performed to measure the expression level of 20 pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in blood samples from SCI patients at three time points: baseline, week 6, and immediately post-intervention (week 12). This study identified a complex signature of five cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1α, and IP10) associated with the time course of the two physiotherapy programs. Two other cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-α) were also associated with the functional recovery of patients. These could be important indicators for SCI prognosis and provide a basis for developing novel targeted therapies.

Effect of aquatic versus conventional physical therapy program on ankle sprain grade III in elite athletes: randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAnkle sprains are the second most common sports injury after knee injuries, with about 85% of them affecting the lateral ankle ligaments. These injuries are particularly prevalent in sports like basketball and volleyball.PurposeTo investigate the effect of Aquatic therapy as an early rehabilitation protocol for elite athletes with acute lateral ankle sprain grade III on back-to-sport time, dynamic balance, pain, Athletic performance, and muscle power compared to land-based exercise training.MethodsThirty elite athletes have ankle sprain grade III with sprain onset from 1 to 7 days, their age ranges from 18–30 years old were recruited. All participants are professional athletes; mainly participating in above-head sports such as volleyball and basketball. The patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Group I (control group): 15 patients received a conventional physical therapy program of structured therapeutic exercise program, manual therapy and land-based exercises, in addition to external support, and Group II (Aquatic therapy group): 15 patients received aquatic training. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity, while the dynamic balance was measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test. Athletic performance was measured by HOP Tests (Single, Triple, 6-m, and Cross-over hops) aided by the Agility T-Test (ATT) and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Muscle power was tested by a Single Leg Press. Finally, back to sports time was recorded for each participant in both groups.ResultsThere was a significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for VAS (p < 0.001), single hop (p < 0.001), triple hop (p < 0.001), cross-over hop (p < 0.001), IAT (p = 0.019) and ATT (p < 0.001) of both affected and nonaffected. There was no significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.923), and nonaffected (p = 0.140). There was a significant main effect of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001) except for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.939), nonaffected (p = 0.109), and IAT (p = 0.099). The Star excursion dynamic balance test (SEBT) and Single leg press revealed a significant difference between groups on affected and non-affected sides (p < 0.001*). Lastly and most importantly the back-to-sport time revealed a significant difference in the return-to-sport time in favor of the Aquatic therapy group who returned faster than the control group (p < 0.001*).ConclusionAquatic therapy is more effective than traditional protocols regarding early rehabilitation of acute ankle sprain grade III in Elite professional athletes for reducing pain intensity, improving dynamic balance and athletic performance and power and accelerating their return to sports time. Because aquatic therapy produces better outcomes, it is advised to be included in the rehabilitation programs of athletic patients with acute ankle sprains grade III.

Comparative study between aquatic therapy and land-based exercises in hemiplegic patients after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the effects of aquatic therapy in individuals with hemiplegia compared to those of a conventional land-based exercise program. This was a blinded, randomized controlled study of chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. The participants were randomized in to aquatic therapy (experimental) or conventional therapy (control) groups. The aquatic therapy group conducted the exercise program in a swimming pool, and the conventional therapy group performed to an exercise on the land environment three times per week for six weeks. Both interventions focused on posture, balance, and weight-bearing exercises. Outcomes included the Berg Balance Scale, Brunnstrom scale, Motricity Index, muscle strength tests, Modified Ashworth Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Control Test and Functional Independence Measure. Also, postural sway was evaluated by using the variables of center of pressure displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The findings of the present study show that the experimental group (26 patients) exhibited significant improvements in spasticity compared to the control group (25 patients) (p = 0.01). The conventional therapy group also achieved significant improvements (p < 0.05) in anteroposterior deviation, mediolateral velocity, and total velocity of center of pressure in a sitting position with eyes closed. Land-based exercises were more beneficial in the spasticity of chronic stroke patients.

CSP2023: 490 - The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Children with Cerebral Palsy on their Gross Motor Function: A Systematic Review

CSP2023: 490 - The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Children with Cerebral Palsy on their Gross Motor Function: A Systematic Review

CSP2023: 446 - The effect of Aquatic Therapy on pain tolerated walking distance for patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia

CSP2023: 446 - The effect of Aquatic Therapy on pain tolerated walking distance for patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia

Effects on Function and Enjoyment of Aquatic Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study in a Special Education School

ABSTRACT Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder of movement and posture resulting from a non-progressive injury to the developing brain. The aim of the study was to determine the functional level of performance in water and enjoyment of children with CP, after participating in aquatic therapy classes. Nine children diagnosed with CP were involved in an eight-month aquatic program based on the Halliwick concept and provided as a part of a special school education program. The outcome measurements were the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA 1) and an original enjoyment questionnaire. The data showed a statistically significant improvement in six out of 13 trials of WOTA 1. The children described aquatic therapy as joyful, easy, and their favourite form of physical activity among those offered by the school. The results suggest that aquatic therapy classes can be effectively used among children with CP to improve body position control and mental adjustment in the water.

The Impact of Foot Solus Per Aqua (SPA) on Blood Sugar Levels and Parasthesia Sensitivity in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2 who lead poor lifestyles may experience blood glucose instability and develop diabetic neuropathy, a condition where nerve damage results from the disease. Decreased sensation, pain, and paresthesia, as well as muscle weakness and excessive foot sweating that leaves the feet dry and easily cracked, are some of the signs of diabetic neuropathy. This study contributed to elucidating how Foot Solus Per Aqua (SPA) affected changes in blood sugar levels and paraesthesia sensitivity in patients in the Karang Gayam Wetan RW 02 area, Mojo Village, Gubeng District, Surabaya City, who were diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This study employs pre-experiment designs with one group pretest-postest and a sample of thirty respondents. Additionally, a glucometer will be used to measure the respondents' sensitivity to paraesthesia, and a 10-gram monofilament test will be used to gauge their level of sensitivity. After that, two 30-minute foot solus sessions per week will be conducted as part of aqua therapy. Random glucose levels and paraesthesia sensitivity tests will be re-observed in the respondents following four weeks of foot solus per aqua therapy. The Mc Nemar test was used to analyze the data, with α=0.05 (p&lt;α). The findings indicated that Foot Solus Per Aqua (SPA) had an impact on the stability of blood sugar levels with a p-value of 0.004. However, as shown by the p values of 0.008 on the right foot and 0.003 on the left, sensitivity to paresthesia is insufficient. The study's findings suggest that increasing daily activity and performing diabetic foot exercises five to seven times a day are essential for maintaining blood glucose stability within normal ranges and preventing paresthesia sensitivity.

The Impact of Aquatic Rehabilitation Exercises on Improving Motor Abilities In Spastic Paralysis Patients Aged (6-8) Years

The researchers aim to address the rehabilitation of children with simple spastic cerebral palsy, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for faster and better rehabilitation. The study also aims to develop exercises and use an aquatic environment for the rehabilitation of children aged 6-8 years with simple spastic cerebral palsy, assessing the impact of aquatic exercises on the rehabilitation and motor abilities of this age group. The research sample, consisting of five individuals with simple spastic cerebral palsy, was purposively selected from the Happiness Institute for Physically Disabled Individuals in Baghdad. The researchers ensured homogeneity in variables such as height, weight, age, and severity of the condition to establish a common starting point for the intervention. The researchers condensed their findings into an aquatic therapy method, believing in the scientific and field capabilities of individuals, provided there is access to modern information, devices, and advanced means, conducting scientific experiments to enhance the effectiveness of the beneficiaries. The significance of the research lies in the rehabilitation of individuals with spastic cerebral palsy, aiming to save time and effort and increase motivation for faster, better, more advanced, and enjoyable rehabilitation for them. The designated place for treatment at the Happiness Institute for Physically Disabled Individuals with Simple Spastic Cerebral Palsy is for children aged 6-8 years, specifically males.

Physiotherapeutic Intervention Techniques for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Globally, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the leading cause of disability. The most prevalent complaints associated with KOA are knee pain, joint stiffness, and weakness in the muscles of the lower limbs. These symptoms impede movement and result in functional limitations. As a result, people with KOA have a lower quality of life. For all patient groups with knee OA, an effective rehabilitation program focuses on improving knee range of motion, isometric quadriceps strength, and productivity level while reducing discomfort. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) categorization criteria for KOA, research on KOA physiotherapy, and reviews covering various physical therapy interventions, including exercise, physical modalities, and patient education, were used to narrow down the pool of 180 systematic reviews to 15 articles. Google Scholar, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were the databases that were used. The following keyword combinations were included in our search: KOA and physiotherapy or interventions or exercises, strengthening and stretching, concentric and eccentric training. Through our analysis, we identified a few methods that, in addition to standard therapy, could be used in clinical settings for people with osteoarthritis in the knee. It has been shown that Mulligan, Pilates, Kinesiotaping, Aquatic Therapy, and other current therapies are effective. The study employed a broad range of results. This review concludes that rather than relying solely on conventional therapy, it is preferable to combine a number of the most current physiotherapy techniques with it.

The Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Depression, Fatigue, and Balance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Depression, Fatigue, and Balance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effectiveness of a rehabilitation program with aqueous media on the egree of pain and balance for those suffering from sacroiliitis in football players

Abstract in English The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises in conjunction with aquatic therapy for those suffering from sacroiliitis in football players. The researcher used the experimental approach, using the experimental design (pre-measurement, post-measurement). Similar to the objectives and procedures of the research, the researcher assumed the following: the existence of significant differences. Statistics between pre- and post-measurements in variables in favor of post-measurement for the following variables (degree of pain and level of balance).&#x0D; The experimental approach was used with a pre- and post-measurement design on one group of football players with sacroiliitis, numbering (8) players whose ages ranged from (20 - 25 years). The program was applied for (8) weeks with (5) sessions in The week, the program included rehabilitation exercises inside and outside the aquatic environment, and the results of the research were. - The rehabilitation program prepared with hydrotherapy helped improve the general condition of the body and gradually disappear the feeling of pain in the joint clearly.&#x0D; The use of hydrotherapy led to the disappearance of the feeling of pain and thus had a positive effect on performance&#x0D; Prepared rehabilitation exercises and making the injured feel comfortable and improving the psychological state of the injured.&#x0D; - The prepared rehabilitation program has a clear effect in improving the balance of the muscles working in the pelvic joint.&#x0D; The exercises carried out clearly helped in the injured person's return to playing football normally.&#x0D; - Using rehabilitative exercises accompanying hydrotherapy has good results, better than applying only rehabilitative exercises.&#x0D; Recommendations: - Paying attention to following the rehabilitation program with hydrotherapy when football players suffer from sacroiliitis in order to avoid deterioration of the patient’s condition. The researcher also recommended using rehabilitative exercises with hydrotherapy and employing it consistently within rehabilitation programs for all pelvic joint injuries. - The researcher recommended the importance of functional tests as a criterion for the player’s return to playing football. - She pointed to the diversification and expansion of special research into the prevention of pelvic joint injuries using modern means and devices.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: sacroiliitis, hydrotherapy, degree of pain, and instability.

Rehabilitation Techniques Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty for a Better Quality of Life.

The most important gold standard treatment following advanced knee osteoarthritis is total knee arthroplasty. Following surgery oftotal knee replacement, the majority of patients reportdecreased pain and successful long-term results, but recovery is unpredictable, and most patients continue to exhibit muscle weakness in their lower limbs and functional limitations in comparison to similarly aged control individuals. The goal of this review article was to systematically review different articles containing controlled and randomized studies to find out the effectiveness of outpatient care postoperatively on short- and long-term functional recovery. The purpose of this review article is to investigate the possible advantages of pre- and postoperative rehabilitation as well as the value of exercise regimen recommendations following total knee replacement. The following interventions after total knee arthroplasty are discussed in this review article: preoperative education and exercises, continuous passive movement, strengthening interventions, aquatic therapy, balanced training, tourniquet exposure, use of alignment and implants, role of apps in phonesand different wearable devices, influence of postoperative protocols, knee bracing, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and clinical environment.Strengthening and intense functional exercises for patients above 45 years of age,in landor water programs like aquatic activities, with the increasing intensity of the exercisesin accordance with the patient's progress, should be included in the best outpatient physical therapy protocols. Because these exercises are so precisely personalized, the best long-term effects after surgery may come from outpatient physiotherapy performed in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist or medical professional. This review article also includes the change in the quality and well-being of a patient's lifewho has undergone total knee arthroplasty and practiced the rehabilitation techniques.

Efficacy of aquatic vs land-based therapy for pain management in women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of two physiotherapeutic interventions – aquatic therapy (AT) and land-based therapy (LBT) – for reducing pain in women with fibromyalgia. DesignSingle-blind, randomised controlled, equivalence trial. SettingFibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Association in A Coruña, Spain. ParticipantsForty women with fibromyalgia were assigned at random in a 1:1 manner to two groups: AT (n = 20) and LBT (n = 20). InterventionsTwo therapeutic exercise programmes, with 60-min sessions, were undertaken three times per week for 12 weeks. Sessions were carried out in groups by a trained physiotherapist. OutcomeThe primary outcome was pain intensity (visual analogue scale). The secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold (algometer), quality of life (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) and physical ability (6-Minute Walk Test). Patients were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks (post-treatment) and 18 weeks (follow-up). The statistical analysis was per-protocol. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance. Effect size was calculated. ResultsThe mean age was 50 [standard deviation (SD) 9] years, with median body mass index of 27 [interquartile range (IQR) 25–30] kg/m2 and median symptom duration of 11 (IQR 6–15) years. No differences were observed between the groups post-treatment, but differences in favour of AT were found in pain intensity [2.7 (IQR 1.5-4.9) vs 5.5 (IQR 3.3-7.6); p= 0.023; large effect, Cohen's d= 0.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-1.5] and sleep quality [12.0 (IQR 7.3-15.3) vs 15.0 (IQR 13.0-17.0); p= 0.030; large effect, Cohen's d= 0.8; 95% CI 0.1-1.5] at follow-up. ConclusionsThe results suggest that AT is better than LBT for reducing pain intensity and improving sleep quality after 6 weeks of follow-up. AT may be a good treatment option for women with fibromyalgia. Clinical Trials Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov NCT02695875 Contribution of the paper•This paper provides evidence that aquatic therapy is an effective intervention for reducing pain and improving sleep quality of women with fibromyalgia.•The matched protocols designed for this study highlighted the influence of the environment on symptom management in women with fibromyalgia.

Aquatic therapy in congenital malformation during the use of external fixator for bone lengthening: It is possible?

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe the rehabilitation of individuals with Congenital Malformations (CMF) during the use of an External Fixator (EF) in Aquatic Therapy (AT) and to analyze the association between diagnosis, EF type and location with rehabilitation process outcomes, surgical intervention, and adverse effects. MethodsThis retrospective study included 29 medical records from which the personal and rehabilitation data of the patient were collected. The AT used was described and the outcome variables were associated. The medical records were selected by screening the database of the CMF clinic at the AACD. The inclusion criteria were participants with CMF who used EF treated between 2011 and 2019 of both genders and without age restriction. The exclusion criteria were incomplete medical record data or not undergoing AT while using EF. The extracted data included diagnosis, gender, age, EF type and location, objective of the surgery, adverse events, surgical interventions, time of rehabilitation in AT, physiotherapeutic objectives, and rehabilitation process outcomes in AT. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 12.1 ± 3.99 years, with male predominance (55 %) and hemimelia cases (37 %). The most used EF was circular (51 %), located in the femur (37 %), and the main objective of surgery was bone lengthening (52 %). The most recurrent adverse effect was infection (62 %) and 76 % completed AT. There was no association between the variables analyzed. ConclusionsIt was possible to describe CMF rehabilitation with EF in AT. There was no association between the variables analyzed.

PRP platelet-rich plasma injection combined with aquatic exercise therapy improves functional recovery of basketball players with knee joint injury

PRP platelet-rich plasma injection combined with aquatic exercise therapy improves functional recovery of basketball players with knee joint injury

Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy 2024 Combined Sections Meeting Platform and Poster Presentations

Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy 2024 Combined Sections Meeting Platform and Poster Presentations