Aquatic physiotherapy in the functional capacity of elderly with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Physicaltherapy in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) acts to decrease pain, increase joint functionality and to promote improvement in quality of life. Objective: To analyze the effect of a structured program of aquatic physiotherapy (AP) on functional capacity (FC) and mobility of elderly people with OA. Methods: Prospective, quantitative and analytical, randomized control study. The sample consisted of 29 patients, aged 60 years or over, diagnosed with OA, randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG), composed of 17 participants who underwent BP for two months, and to the control group (CG) of 12 participants. The primary outcome was measured by the WOMAC instruments and six-minute walk test. As a secondary endpoint, the Timed Up and Go Test measured mobility. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the data, with mean and standard deviation values. The comparison between groups for potential confounding factors and in relation to evolution was performed using the non-parametric chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn's test for multiple comparisons. The differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: There was a significant difference in physical and functional parameters related to pain (p < 0.001), stiffness (p < 0.001) physical activity (p < 0.001), distance covered in six minutes (p = 0.001), and mobility (p < 0.001) when comparing IG to CG. Conclusion: The structured AP program effectively contributed to the improvement of FC and mobility of elderly people with knee OA.

Meta-Analysis the Effect of Aquatic Therapy on Functional Ability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Long life brings with it chronic degenerative diseases that limit the functional capacity of the affected population. OA is a chronic degenerative disease of high incidence, a musculoskeletal disorder that usually has an insidious, progressive and slow pattern, often affecting joints such as the hands, spine, hips, and knees (Garbi et al, 2021). In Indonesia, according to Riskesdas 2018, the prevalence of joint disease based on a doctor's diagnosis at the age of 15 years, the highest data was obtained, namely 18.9% at the age of 75+, 18.6% at the age of 65-74 years, and 15.5% at the age 55-64 years and mostly suffered by women.…”

“…Apart from aging, obesity, trauma, joint surgery, hormonal imbalance, genetics, nutrition and bone density are some of the factors that cause OA (Garbi et al, 2021). Signs and symptoms of OA experienced by the population are pain throughout the day and decrease with rest, swelling and tenderness in the joints with or without crypts, morning stiffness and reduced range of motion of the joints, with decreased aerobic capacity, and muscle weakness of the lower limbs.…”

“…Signs and symptoms of OA experienced by the population are pain throughout the day and decrease with rest, swelling and tenderness in the joints with or without crypts, morning stiffness and reduced range of motion of the joints, with decreased aerobic capacity, and muscle weakness of the lower limbs. In addition to pain and stiffness, knee OA can affect mobility in the elderly causing impaired functional ability (Garbi et al, 2021).…”

“…Aquatic therapy is a source of therapy that is widely used in the treatment of rheumatism because it promotes movement and reduces joint overload. Immersion can achieve therapeutic effects in warm water, such as muscle relaxation, pain relief, and reducing pressure on joints (Garbi et al, 2021).…”