Park JS. (2011). Comparison of the Effects of Exercise by Chronic Stroke Patients in Aquatic and Land Environments

Exploring Rehabilitation Environments This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic and land-based exercises in rehabilitating chronic stroke patients. By dividing participants into two groups, one undergoing land exercises and the other aquatic exercises, the research sought to identify which environment offers better outcomes in terms of joint position sense and mobility.

Methodology and Participant Demographics The study involved 44 chronic stroke patients who were randomly assigned to either a land exercise group or an aquatic exercise group. Both groups engaged in specialized exercise regimens alongside their conventional therapy, focusing on trunk stability, balance, and mobility. The aquatic exercises utilized the unique properties of water, such as buoyancy and viscosity, to facilitate movement and enhance proprioceptive feedback.

Results: Aquatic Exercises Show Superior Outcomes Post-intervention assessments using the Joint Position Sense (JPS) test and the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) revealed significant improvements in both groups. However, the aquatic exercise group demonstrated greater advancements, suggesting that the aquatic environment may offer enhanced therapeutic benefits for stroke survivors, particularly in improving proprioception and functional mobility.

Discussion: The Therapeutic Advantages of Water The study’s findings highlight the potential of aquatic exercises in stroke rehabilitation, attributing the superior outcomes to water’s mechanical properties. Water’s buoyancy reduces the fear of falling and lessens the impact on joints, while its viscosity provides gentle resistance, aiding in muscle strengthening and sensory stimulation. These factors combined may accelerate the recovery process and improve the quality of life for stroke patients.

Conclusion: Integrating Aquatic Therapy into Stroke Rehabilitation Aquatic exercise emerges as a more effective rehabilitation method for chronic stroke patients compared to traditional land-based exercises. The study advocates for the inclusion of aquatic therapy in rehabilitation programs to harness its benefits in enhancing joint awareness and overall mobility, ultimately contributing to a more holistic recovery process for stroke survivors.

Keywords: Aquatic exercise, Land exercise, Stroke rehabilitation, Joint position sense, Mobility assessment, Chronic stroke patients