Aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis

Veldema, Jitka and Jansen, Petra (2021) Aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, 143 (3). pp. 221-241. ISSN 0001-6314, 1600-0404

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Abstract

The main object of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to collect the available evidence of aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation and to investigate the effect of this intervention in supporting stroke recovery. The PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the PEDro databases were searched from their inception through to 31/05/2020 on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of aquatic therapy on stroke recovery. Subjects ' characteristics, methodological aspects, intervention description, and outcomes were extracted. Effect sizes were calculated for each study and outcome. Overall, 28 appropriate studies (N = 961) have been identified. A comparison with no intervention indicates that aquatic therapy is effective in supporting walking, balance, emotional status and health-related quality of life, spasticity, and physiological indicators. In comparison with land-based interventions, aquatic therapy shows superior effectiveness on balance, walking, muscular strength, proprioception, health-related quality of life, physiological indicators, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Only on independence in activities of daily living the land- and water-based exercise induce similar effects. Established concepts of water-based therapy (such as the Halliwick, Ai Chi, Watsu, or Bad Ragaz Ring methods) are the most effective, aquatic treadmill walking is the least effective. The current evidence is insufficient to support this therapy form within evidence-based rehabilitation. However, the available data indicate that this therapy can significantly improve a wide range of stroke-induced disabilities. Future research should devote more attention to this highly potent intervention.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: QUALITY-OF-LIFE; EXERCISE PROGRAM; POSTSTROKE PATIENTS; POSTURAL BALANCE; MUSCLE STRENGTH; LOWER-LIMBS; WATER; UNDERWATER; WALKING; LAND; aquatic therapy; neurorehabilitation; stroke
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
700 Arts & recreation > 796 Athletic & outdoor sports & games
Divisions: Human Sciences > Institut für Sportwissenschaft
Depositing User: Petra Gürster
Date Deposited: 21 Apr 2021 09:24
Last Modified: 21 Apr 2021 09:24
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/43338

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