How is aquatic exercise effective in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee?

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common joint disease. KOA is an important cause of functional limitations and pain in adults. Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, and due to pain and stiffness, most KOA patients are less active and are often obese, and have poor muscle strength. Different treatments for this disease have been studied, the most important of which are surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. Surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee is used in the final stages and has a high cost. Drug therapy has many side effects because many patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have other internal diseases at the same time and are often obese, so they are less tolerant of the drug and have many side effects. One of the best treatments for patients with osteoarthritis, especially in the mild and moderate stages is physiotherapy and its supplement, exercise. Various exercises have been studied to treat patients with KOA and to prevent mild to moderate cases from becoming. The most important exercises to treat this disease are aerobic, water sports, and balance exercises such as yoga and Tai chi.

There is no significant difference between exercises and most patients benefit from different types of exercise because it was found that the quality of life and improvement of pain and stiffness in all groups that exercised was better than the control groups.

In this review study, several articles were studied on the effect of water exercise on KOA disease. In most studies, no significant difference was observed between Aquatic exercise and land-based exercise. One of the most important benefits of Aquatic exercise in patients who are candidates for Total Knee Arthroplasty is that 4 to 8 weeks of water exercise significantly improves postoperative results and depression. It also lowers postoperative blood pressure.

Exercising in water improves pain and improves the quality of life, and counteracts muscle weakness. Several studies have found that aquatic exercise has fewer side effects than other sports. Exercising in the water reduces pain and disability compared to regular care and not exercising, and improves physical function. Aquatic exercise, like other sports, should be done at least 8 to 12 weeks regularly at least 3 times a week and one-hour session to see positive results.