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- Title
Effect of an Aquatic Therapy Program on Pain and Spinal Mobility in Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- Authors
Correia, Monica Susana; Lopes, Alfredo Alexandre; Silva, Francisco; Silva, Diogo; Peduzzi de Castro, Marcelo
- Abstract
Background and purpose. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) can lead to an increase in pain and is characterized by a decrease in mobility. The purpose of this study was to assess the acute and medium-term effects of a 12-week aquatic therapy program on pain and mobility in individuals with AS. Methods. Thirteen AS patients participated in an aquatic therapy program at the Ankylosing Spondylitis National Association (ASNA) Center. Participants were assessed according to measures of pain (Numerical Pain Scale), thoraco-lumbar and cervical mobility (inclinometers OPTO) were performed before and after the first session (acute effect) and after the last session - 12 weeks later (medium-term effect). The Aquatic therapy program lasted 12 weeks, with a twice-weekly frequency and included breathing, strengthening and mobilization exercises. Results. After the first session of the aquatic therapy program, there was increased mobility in cervical extension (p = 0.043), right (p = 0.035) and left inclination (p = 0.001), right (p = 0.014) and left rotation (0.015), and lumbar flexion (p = 0.004), and left inclination (p = 0.017). After 12 weeks there was decreased cervical left rotation (p = 0.038) and lumbar flexion (p = 0.006). The pain was reduced after the first session (p = 0.047), and similar levels of pain were observed after the last session (p = 0.213). Discussion. We found differences in the evaluation of the acute effects on pain and spinal mobility after the first session of Aquatic Therapy. In regard to the medium-term effect, reassessment after 12 weeks showed similar results when compared to those after the first session. It suggests that the benefits were maintained, although no further improvements occurred. Conclusion. Aquatic therapy promoted beneficial acute effects on pain and spinal mobility in AS patients. However, after a 12-week aquatic therapy program no additional medium-term effects were found.
- Subjects
PORTUGAL; ANKYLOSING spondylitis treatment; SPINE physiology; AQUATIC exercises; EXERCISE physiology; LONGITUDINAL method; PAIN; PHYSICAL therapy; PROBABILITY theory; STATISTICAL sampling; STATISTICS; T-test (Statistics); DATA analysis; PAIN measurement; BODY movement; DATA analysis software; DESCRIPTIVE statistics
- Publication
Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 2017, Vol 25, Issue 2, p9
- ISSN
2377-6102
- Publication type
Article