AQUATIC EXERCISES FOR PEOPLE WITH KNEE AND HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract

Aim: To determine the value of aquatic exercise in hip and knee osteoarthritis and compare it with exercises on land through narrative review of scientific literature.
Materials and methods: A search of PubMed medical database was conducted. Inclusion criteria were osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, aquatic exercise, hydrotherapy, existence of control group, more than 30 individuals in interventional and control group, clear outcome measures: condition, strengthening, mobility of the joint, and specific functional tests for hip and knee. Exclusion criterion was postoperative rehabilitation. Three representative scientific papers were selected.
Results: Aquatic exercises had a positive effect on all outcome measures compared to control group. There were no patients
that reported side-effects of the hydrotherapy or worsening of the symptoms. In terms of strengthening, gym exercises were superior to aquatic exercise, while hydrogymnastics showed more significant progress in fitness of the patients. Due to the easier mobility in water and less pain during the motion, hydrotherapy was better in patients with advanced stages of osteoarthritis (grade 3 and 4 on Kellgren and Lawrence scale).
Conclusion: Aquatic exercises have shown to be better in improving aerobic function, but they show less strengthening of the muscles than exercises in the gym. In severe forms of osteoarthritis patients can perform exercises of higher intensity with less pain. Although, they do not bring significant pain reduction, aquatic exercises do not worsen the condition and do not result in injuries. It was observed that better outcomes were reported by patients in the earlier stages of the disease.