Aquatic Exercise

DEFINITION OF AQUATIC EXERCISE: Aquatic exercise refers to the use of water (in multi-depth immersion pools or tanks) that facilitates the application of established therapeutic interventions, including stretching, strengthening, joint mobilization, balance and gait training, and endurance training.

 AQUATIC EXERCISE By Anand Vaghasiya [ Final Year BPT]

DEFINITION OF AQUATIC EXERCISE 

Aquatic exercise refers to the use of water (in multidepth immersion pools or tanks) that facilitates the application of established therapeutic interventions, including stretching, strengthening, joint mobilization, balance and gait training, and endurance training.

The unique properties of the aquatic environment provide clinicians with treatment options that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to implement on land. 

Using buoyant devices and varied depths of immersion the practitioner has flexibility in positioning the patient (supine, seated, kneeling, prone, side-lying, or vertically) with any desired amount of weight-bearing.

GOALS AND INDICATIONS FOR AQUATIC EXERCISE 

•  Facilitate range of motion (ROM) exercise
•  Initiate resistance training 
•  Facilitate weight-bearing activities 
•  Enhance the delivery of manual techniques 
•  Provide three-dimensional access to the patient 
•  Facilitate cardiovascular exercise 
•  Initiate functional activity replication 
•  Minimize risk of injury or re-injury during rehabilitation 
•  Enhance patient relaxation

PRECAUTIONS TO AQUATIC EXERCISE 

• Fear of Water 
• Neurological Disorders 
• Respiratory Disorders 
• Cardiac Dysfunction 
• Small, Open Wounds and Lines

CONTRAINDICATIONS 

1.  Incipient cardiac failure and unstable angina. 
2.  Respiratory dysfunction, the vital capacity of less than 1 liter. 
3.  Severe peripheral vascular disease. 
4.  The danger of bleeding or hemorrhage. 
5.  Severe kidney disease 
6.  Open wounds 
7.  Uncontrolled bowel or bladder 
8.  Menstruation without internal protection.
9.  Water and airborne infections or diseases 
10.  Uncontrolled seizures

WHY WATER for Therapy? 

The answer is specific Properties of water.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER:

•  Static 

1. Buoyancy
2.  Hydrostatic Pressure 
3. Surface Tension 
4. Viscosity 

• Dynamic 

1. Hydromechanics 
2. Thermo- dynamics 
3. Center of Buoyancy

1. Buoyancy: Buoyancy is the upward force that works opposite to gravity. 
2.  Hydrostatic Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the water on immersed objects. 
3.  Viscosity: is friction occurring between molecules of liquid resulting in resistance to flow. 
4.  Surface Tension: The surface of a fluid acts as a membraneunder tension. Surface tension is measured as force per unit length.

•  Hydromechanics: the physical properties and characteristics of the fluid in motion. 
•  Thermodynamics: Water temperature has an effect on the body and, therefore, on performance in an aquatic environment. 
•  Center of Buoyancy: The center of buoyancy is the reference point of an immersed object on which buoyant (vertical) forces of fluid predictably act.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR AQUATIC EXERCISE 

• Cervical collar. 
• Flotation rings. 
• Hand paddles.
• Buoyancy belts.
• Swim bars. 
• Hydro-tone boots 
• bells Kickboards.

POOL CARE AND SAFETY 

•  Therapeutic pools require regular care and cleaning to avoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (an infection causing folliculitis). 
• Frequent use increases the total organic carbon as well as ammonia and organic nitrogen found in the pool. 
•  Cleaning should occur at least twice weekly, and chlorine and pH level tests should be done twice daily. 
•  All walking surfaces near and around the pool should be slip-resistant and free of barriers. Water splashes should be dried immediately to prevent slips and falls. 
•  Life preservers should be readily available and at least one staff member who is CPR certified should be present at all times.

EXERCISE INTERVENTIONS USING AN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT 

• Stretching Exercises 

• Strengthening Exercises 

• Aerobic Conditioning