Slouma (2024) Aquatic versus Land Based Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis A Randomized

Introduction:
Aquatic exercises and land-based rehabilitation are two effective approaches for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study compares their impacts on pain reduction, functional improvement, and overall quality of life. The findings highlight the superior effectiveness of aquatic therapy, leveraging water’s unique properties to alleviate joint stress and improve mobility.

Body:

Key Findings

1. Pain Reduction: Aquatic therapy participants experienced a 50% decrease in pain (WOMAC score), compared to 17% in the land-based group.
2. Improved Functionality: Functional abilities improved by 48% in the aquatic group, whereas the land group showed an 11% improvement.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life: SF-12 scores for physical and mental health increased significantly in the aquatic therapy group.
4. Reduced Stiffness: Joint stiffness scores improved by 53% with aquatic exercises, compared to 18% in land-based rehabilitation.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Water buoyancy minimizes joint stress, while hydrostatic pressure reduces swelling and pain. The consistent temperature of the aquatic environment aids muscle relaxation, making movement more comfortable and effective.

Practical Application

Structured aquatic exercise programs, involving three weekly sessions over eight weeks, are shown to provide optimal results in knee OA rehabilitation. Exercises include joint mobility training, strengthening, endurance workouts, and proprioceptive drills.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that aquatic exercises are significantly more effective than land-based methods for knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation. They provide substantial improvements in pain management, functional capacity, and quality of life, making them a valuable component of OA treatment programs.