Aquatics

Aquatic exercise programs promote strength, stamina and flexibility. Working in water can minimize symptomatic complaints such as muscular fatigue, weakness and spasticity. Many studies indicate that aquatic exercise can increase work capacity, reduce fatigue levels, increase cardiovascular fitness, improve strength, improve balance and improve self-reported quality of life.

The properties of water act in a way that allows individuals who may be restricted in their activities on dry land to perform a wide range of activities in the water. Buoyancy, the uplift force experienced in water, and gravity are opposing forces in the pool, so the deeper a body is submerged, the less weight the body bears. This means someone who has weakness in the legs that make it difficult to lift their legs to walk on land may be able to walk for exercise when in the pool. Buoyancy reduces joint compressive forces and allows movement and positioning with reduced pain and discomfort. Water can also assist with movement and positioning for tasks like stretching and spasticity management.

Almost any exercise that can be completed on land can also be performed in the pool, including balance tasks, walking, aerobic activity and strengthening. In combination with the properties of the water, tools such as kickboards, noodles, water gloves, fins and pool dumbbells can be incorporated to assist movement, support movement or resist movement.

Another important property of aquatic therapy is hydrostatic pressure, which is the property that water exerts pressure in all directions. This means the deeper a person goes into the water, the more pressure is being placed on the body. Hydrostatic pressures act not only upon the body parts but can also affect the blood flow and work required to breathe. This means that someone who is anxious or has heart or lung problems is likely better served in shallow water, minimizing the demand on the lungs and circulatory system. However, for those comfortable in the water, hydrostatic pressures can be used to provide increased support to stand, move and balance in the water. Aquatic therapy can also potentially assist with swelling, pain and some sensory hypersensitivity.

Aquatic therapy can be an excellent way for individuals to experience exercise and activity in a gravity-reduced environment, making it easier to exercise and improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and balance.