Alejo (2018) Effects of an aquatic manual therapy technique, aquastretchTM on recreational athletes with lower extremity injuries

Summary: The Effects of Aquastretch™ on Athletes with Lower Extremity Injuries

Aquastretch™ in Aquatic Therapy for Lower Extremity Injuries

Aquastretch™, an aquatic manual therapy technique, has been evaluated for its impact on range of motion (ROM) and function in recreational athletes with lower extremity injuries. This study by Alejo et al. aimed to explore the effectiveness of Aquastretch™ in improving patient outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

Participants were 26 recreational athletes with lower extremity injuries, including conditions of the ankle, knee, and hip. They underwent a 30-minute session of Aquastretch™. Before and after the intervention, assessments included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sports subscale, and ROM measurements.

Findings and Implications

The results revealed significant improvements in patient-rated outcome measures, particularly in the LEFS and FAAM Sports subscale. However, there were no significant changes in ROM and other measures for the injured athletes. This study suggests that Aquastretch™ may be an effective form of manual therapy to enhance lower extremity function in injured athletes.

Overall Impact of Aquastretch™ in Aquatic Therapy

The study highlights the potential of Aquastretch™ in aquatic environments to aid in recovery and improve functionality in athletes with lower extremity injuries. It underscores the need for further research to establish the efficacy and optimal application of this therapy technique.

Keyphrase: Aquastretch™ in Aquatic Therapy

Keywords: AquaStretch™, lower extremity, manual therapy, athletes, injuries