Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Lower Extremity Injuries: A Comparative Study of Aquatic Therapy Versus Land-Based Exercises

Authors: Shorouk A. Aljarallah, Sultana A. Alrobian, Razan I. Alsaleem, Mona R Attamimi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13310272

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt6xcg

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of aquatic therapy versus land-based exercises in the rehabilitation of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 participants (aged 18-65) assigned to either aquatic therapy, land-based exercises, or a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, with outcomes assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for functional mobility, range of motion measurements, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) for quality of life. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and paired t-tests.

Results: Aquatic therapy significantly outperformed land-based exercises and control in reducing pain (VAS: 3.1 vs. 4.2 vs. 5.8) and improving functional mobility (LEFS: 62.5 vs. 55.8 vs. 60.0), range of motion (degrees: 110.5 vs. 103.5 vs. 98.5), and quality of life (SF-36: 75.5 vs. 68.0 vs. 60.0) both post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion: Aquatic therapy is more effective than land-based exercises and standard care in improving pain, mobility, range of motion, and quality of life for patients with lower extremity injuries. These findings support the inclusion of aquatic therapy in rehabilitation programs.

Keywords: Aquatic Therapy, Land-Based Exercises, Lower Extremity Injuries, Rehabilitation, Pain Reduction, Functional Mobility, Range of Motion, Quality of Life

Paper Id: 230990

Published On: 2018-04-05

Published In: Volume 6, Issue 2, March-April 2018

Cite This: Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Lower Extremity Injuries: A Comparative Study of Aquatic Therapy Versus Land-Based Exercises - Shorouk A. Aljarallah, Sultana A. Alrobian, Razan I. Alsaleem, Mona R Attamimi - IJIRMPS Volume 6, Issue 2, March-April 2018. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13310272

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