Stanciu (2024) Evidence of Improvement of Lower Limb Functioning Using Hydrotherapy on Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating neurological condition that significantly impairs motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, often leading to complications like spasticity, reduced mobility, and chronic pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of hydrotherapy as a rehabilitative approach for improving lower limb functionality in SCI patients.

Key findings indicate that hydrotherapy significantly reduces spasticity, improves gait kinematics, enhances cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, and supports psychological well-being. The buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of water facilitate pain relief, muscle relaxation, and increased range of motion, enabling SCI patients to achieve movements that are difficult or impossible on land.

The review incorporates evidence from systematic reviews, experimental studies, and case studies. While the results highlight the potential benefits of hydrotherapy, the study emphasizes the need for more rigorous clinical trials and standardized methodologies to validate its therapeutic impact. Limitations include a small number of studies and heterogeneous protocols, which constrain broader applicability.

Hydrotherapy remains a valuable complement to traditional rehabilitation methods, offering multi-dimensional benefits for SCI patients, including improved functional independence and reduced medication reliance.