Article

The aim of this study was to assess whether the effects of a motorized
aquatic treadmill exercise program improve the isometric strength of the knee
muscles, cardiorespiratory fitness, arterial stiffness, motor function, balance,
functional outcomes, and quality of life in subacute stroke patients. DESIGN:
Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to 4-wk training sessions of either
aquatic therapy (n = 19) or land-based aerobic exercise (n = 18). Isometric
strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Cardiopulmonary fitness
was evaluated using a symptom-limited exercise tolerance test and by measuring
brachial ankle pulse wave velocity. Moreover, motor function (Fugl-Meyer
Assessment [FMA] and FMA-lower limb [FMA-LL]), balance (Berg Balance Scale
[BBS]), Activities of daily living (Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index
[K-MBI]), and quality of life (EQ-5D index) were examined. RESULTS: There were no
intergroup differences between demographic and clinical characteristics at
baseline (P > 0.05). The results shows significant improvements in peak oxygen
consumption (P = 0.02), maximal isometric strength of the bilateral knee
extensors (P < 0.01) and paretic knee flexors (P = 0.01), FMA (P = 0.03), FMA-LL
(P = 0.01), BBS (P = 0.01), K-MBI (P < 0.01), and EQ-5D index (P = 0.04) after
treatment in the aquatic therapy group. However, only significant improvements in
maximal isometric strength in the knee extensors (P = 0.03) and flexors (P =
0.04) were found within the aquatic therapy group and control group. CONCLUSIONS:
Water-based aerobic exercise performed on a motorized aquatic treadmill had
beneficial effect on isometric muscle strength in the lower limb. TO CLAIM CME
CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at
http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this
article, the reader should be able to: (1) Articulate the rationale for including
walking on an aquatic treadmill in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke
patients; (2) Describe the beneficial effects of a motorized aquatic treadmill
exercise program in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients; and (3)
Determine the appropriate indications for incorporating a motorized aquatic
treadmill exercise program in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke
patients.Level: Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists
is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to
provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic
Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA
PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with
the extent of their participation in the activity.

Langue : ANGLAIS