[Effectiveness of Watsu therapy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A parallel, randomized, controlled

Natalia Pérez Ramírez1, Paula Nahuelhual Cares2, Pamela San Martín Peñailillo2

  • 1Unidad de Kinesiología, Instituto Teletón, Santiago, Chile.

Insights

Watsu hydrotherapy significantly improved quality of life and functional status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This therapy offers a promising alternative to conventional hydrotherapy for managing JIA symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Physical Therapy

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a leading cause of childhood physical disability.
  • Early intervention is crucial for managing JIA and preventing long-term complications.
  • Hydrotherapy presents a potential therapeutic modality for JIA management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of Watsu hydrotherapy versus conventional hydrotherapy for JIA.
  • To assess the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional status, pain, and joint mobility.
  • To provide evidence for Watsu's role in pediatric rheumatologic care.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 46 pediatric patients with JIA.
  • Participants were assigned to either Watsu or conventional hydrotherapy (10 weekly 45-minute sessions).
  • Assessments included PedsQL4.0, CHAQ, and GROMS at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Watsu therapy demonstrated significant improvements in physical functioning-HRQoL (p=0.041).
  • Statistically significant enhancements were observed in disability (p=0.015) and distress indices (p=0.015).
  • Functional health status, measured by CHAQ, also showed significant improvement (p=0.013) with Watsu.

Conclusions:

  • Watsu hydrotherapy is more effective than conventional hydrotherapy for improving HRQoL, pain, and functional health in JIA patients.
  • Watsu offers a beneficial therapeutic option for children experiencing JIA.
  • Future research should focus on methodological adaptations to enhance external validity.
Abstract

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