Comparative Study Between Aquatic Therapy and Land-Based Exercises in Hemiplegic Patients After Stroke: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke survivors with hemiplegia often experience spasticity and balance impairments.
• Conventional land-based exercise and aquatic therapy are common rehabilitation approaches.
• Comparing the efficacy of these interventions is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of aquatic therapy versus conventional land-based exercise on spasticity and functional outcomes in chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia.
• To evaluate the impact of both interventions on balance, posture, and muscle strength.

Main Methods:

• A blinded, randomized controlled trial involving chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia.
• Participants were assigned to either an aquatic therapy group or a conventional land-based therapy group for 6 weeks.
• Outcome measures included various scales for balance, spasticity, motor function, and postural sway analysis.

Main Results:

• The aquatic therapy group demonstrated significant improvements in spasticity (P=0.01) compared to the control group.
• The conventional therapy group showed significant improvements in postural sway (anteroposterior deviation, mediolateral velocity, total velocity) with eyes closed.
• Both groups focused on posture, balance, and weight-bearing exercises.

Conclusions:

• Conventional land-based exercises appear more beneficial for managing spasticity in chronic stroke patients.
• Aquatic therapy also yielded improvements, particularly in spasticity reduction.
• Further research may explore combined or tailored approaches for stroke rehabilitation.