Aquatic exercise is widely used in the treatment of many orthopedic and neurologic conditions. It is a popular therapy modality around the world. But is it any more effective than land exercise? Does it relieve pain better than no treatment at all? These are the questions researchers set out to answer with this study.
The authors searched 14 different research databases looking for information that might help. The search included literature published over a period of 26 years. Only studies with adults who had neurologic or musculoskeletal diseases were included.
There were five studies of acceptable quality for review. Some compared aquatic exercise with no treatment (or with a control group waiting for aquatic therapy). Others compared aquatic exercise with land exercise. Pain relief was the main measure of outcome for this review.
The aquatic exercise programs included muscle strengthening, range of motion exercises, aerobic exercise, and functional activities. The programs were held in a variety of locations. Some pools were in clinics, hospitals, or public areas. Sessions lasted at least 30 minutes over a period of six weeks or longer.
The results showed a small posttreatment effect of aquatic therapy. Participants in the aquatic program had more pain relief than sujects who had no treatment at all. Results were the same for aquatic therapy compared to land exercise.
There wasn’t enough evidence to clearly show that aquatic exercise is an effective way to relieve pain. This study did not review the effect of aquatic exercise on joint motion, muscle strength, fitness, or endurance. Aquatic exercise is used to improve all of these areas.
More study is needed to find out what are the effects of aquatic exercise and who can benefit the most from this type of program.