Content Comparison of Aquatic Therapy Outcome Measures for Children with Neuromuscular and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Currently, aquatic exercise is among the most common physical activity modalities for children with neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the outcome measures that should be routinely used by therapists working in this specific health-care context have not been widely studied. The purpose of the study was to identify and compare the content of outcome measures used in aquatic physiotherapy for children, employing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework. A literature review was used to identify aquatic functioning outcome measures for children with neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental disorders. Content comparison of outcome measures identified was linked to the ICF following the linking guidelines, and content-related metrics were used to analyze them. Four outcome measures were identified (HAAR, Conatser, WOTA 1 and 2, and SWIM), which contained a total of 116 meaningful concepts and were linked to 35 ICF 2nd level categories. The greatest number of items assessed activity and participation categories. Large differences were found in reference to the density of content. For content diversity, the measures were all below 0.5. The identified outcome measurements showed homogeneity with respect to the theoretical foundation; however, some differences were found in terms of content analysis.

Treinamento de classe em circuito em água versus terra em pacientes pós-acidente vascular cerebral: um protocolo para um estudo controlado randomizado / Circuit Class Training in water versus land in Post-Stroke patients: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma alta porcentagem de pacientes pós-AVC tem consequências permanentes, apesar da reabilitação convencional. O treinamento em circuito oferece uma maneira eficiente de realizar a prática estruturada de atividades relacionadas à tarefa durante a reabilitação do AVC. A terapia aquática é outra abordagem terapêutica que oferece uma grande variedade de opções para ser um ambiente altamente dinâmico, o que ajuda a melhorar a funcionalidade e recuperar a qualidade de vida e a independência das pessoas com deficiência. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um protocolo para um estudo controlado randomizado. MÉTODOS: Quarenta participantes serão randomizados em dois grupos: treinamento em classe de circuito aquático (ACCT) e treinamento em circuito de terra (LCCT). Em ambos os grupos, a intervenção será uma terapia de classe de 7 semanas, 3 vezes por semana, dando um total de 20 sessões, 60 minutos cada. Os avaliadores cegos conduzirão avaliações, utilizando ferramentas padronizadas: linha de base, pós-intervenção e 20 dias de acompanhamento para a eficácia da terapia em termos de marcha, equilíbrio e função motora do membro superior. RESULTADOS / CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo examinará o efeito imediato e de médio prazo de um programa ACCT em comparação com um programa LCCT em pessoas com AVC. Tem o potencial de identificar intervenções que possam melhorar a reabilitação desses pacientes. Ambos os programas do CCT são baseados no modelo da Classificação Internacional de Função, Incapacidade e Saúde, com atividades voltadas para os níveis de deficiência, atividade e participação. [AU]

INTRODUCTION: A high percentage of post-stroke patients have permanent aftermathsdespite conventional rehabilitation. Circuit class training offers an efficient way to achieve structured practice of task-related activities during stroke rehabilitation. Aquatic therapy is another therapeutic approach that offers a great variety of options to be a highly dynamic environment, which helps to improving functionality and recover quality of life and independence in people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To develop a protocol for a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty participants will be randomized in two groups: aquatic circuit class training (ACCT) and land circuit class training (LCCT). In both groups, the intervention will be a 7-week class therapy, 3-times weekly, giving a total of 20 sessions, 60 minutes each. Blinded assessors will conduct assessments, using standardized tools: baseline, post-intervention, and 20 days follow-up for the effectiveness of the therapy in terms of gait, balance and upper limb motor function. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: This trial will examine the immediate and medium term effect of an ACCT program as compared to a LCCT program in people with stroke. It has the potential to identify interventions that may improve rehabilitation of these patients. Both CCT programs are based in International Classification of Function, Disability and Health model with activities aimed at impairment, activity and participation levels. [AU]

A new approach towards improved quality of life in fibromyalgia: a pilot study on the effects of an aquatic Ai Chi program.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disorder that presents with physical, psychological and social symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a program of water-based Ai Chi on the health-related quality of life of subjects with FMS. METHODS: An experimental pilot study was performed with a sample of 20 female subjects diagnosed with FM and recruited from two different settings. Assessments were performed using the a visual analog scale and the Short Form-36 physical and mental health summary scores. Measurements took place at baseline and upon completion of 10 treatment sessions. RESULTS: After 10 treatment sessions, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were found in practically all the variables under study, with significant differences in values such as pain perception, vitality, mental health, as well as perceived overall improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A water-based Ai Chi program may contribute to the improvement of mental and physical health and the quality of life in women with FMS.

What areas of functioning are influenced by aquatic physiotherapy? Experiences of parents of children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences regarding aquatic physiotherapy among parents of children with cerebral palsy and to identify a list of relevant intervention categories for aquatic physiotherapy treatments. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups using the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a frame of reference to explore and code experiences regarding aquatic physiotherapy. A non-probabilistic purposive sampling strategy was used. Content analysis methods and ICF linking processes were used to analyze data. RESULTS: From the parents' perspective (n = 34), both the Body Functions and Activities and Participation components were mainly influenced by aquatic physiotherapy. Also, parents described Environmental Factors acting as barriers affecting progress during therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Parents identified a wide range of categories influenced by aquatic physiotherapy. Social and contextual aspects were highlighted, as well as a series of changes related to the illness as a result of treatment.

Identification of intervention categories for aquatic physical therapy in pediatrics using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth: a global expert survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify intervention categories encountered by physical therapists working in aquatic therapy with disabled children, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY). METHODS: Aquatic physical therapists were asked to describe concepts related to the functioning of disabled children and their contextual factors. Data were collected in three rounds using the Delphi technique. All answers were translated ('linked') to the ICF-CY and analyzed to determine the degree of consensus. RESULTS: Answers were linked and organized into four diagnostic groups. Overall, in the four groups, 41 Body Functions, 8 Body Structures, 36 Activities and Participation, and 6 Environmental Factors categories were identified as intervention targets. In addition, 8 Environmental Factors that influence aquatic physical therapy were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the variety of intervention categories available to aquatic physical therapists when treating children in the water.

Aquatic cycling-What do we know? A scoping review on head-out aquatic cycling.

Over the past few years, aquatic cycling has become a trending fitness activity. However, the literature has not been reviewed exhaustively. Therefore, using scoping review methodology, the aim of this review was to explore the current state of the literature concerning aquatic cycling. This study specifically focused on study designs, populations and outcomes. A comprehensive search of seven databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Cinahl, Embase, PEDro,Web of Science, WorldCat) was conducted up to 30th September 2016. GoogleScholar, World Cat, ResearchGate, specific aquatic therapy websites and aquatic therapy journals were searched to identify additional literature. Full-text publications in English, German or Dutch were included. Studies were included when the intervention involved head-out cycling carried out in 10° to 35° Celsius water. Exclusion criteria were the use of wet suits or confounding interventions that would affect participants' homeostasis. 63 articles were included and the study parameters of these studies were summarized. Using three grouping themes, included studies were categorised as 1) single session tests comparing aquatic versus land cycling, or 2) aquatic cycling only sessions investigating different exercise conditions and 3) aquatic cycling intervention programmes. Although the experimental conditions differed noticeably across the studies, shared characteristics were identified. Cardiovascular parameters were investigated by many of the studies with the results suggesting that the cardiac demand of aquatic cycling seems similar to land-based cycling. Only six studies evaluated the effect of aquatic cycling interventions. Therefore, future research should investigate the effects of aquatic cycling interventions, preferably in individuals that are expected to gain health benefits from aquatic cycling. Moreover, this comprehensive outline of available literature could serve as a starting point for systematic reviews or clinical studies on the effects of aquatic cycling on the cardiovascular responses.

The effect of aquatic exercise on physical functioning in the older adult: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: ageing and sedentary behaviour cause negative changes in the neuromuscular systems of healthy older adults resulting in a decrease in physical functioning. Exercising in water (aquatic exercise, AE) has been shown to be effective at improving physical functioning in this population; however, no systematic review with meta-analysis has been published. PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of AE on physical functioning in healthy older adults compared to control or land-based exercise (LE) through a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, published before 31st December 2015. STUDY SELECTION: in total, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review; 24 studies with 1,456 subjects (89% female) and with mean age 66.4 years were included in the meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: data were extracted and checked for accuracy by three independent reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: size of treatment effect was measured using the standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: compared to control interventions, AE had a moderate positive effect on physical functioning 0.70 [95% CI 0.48 to 0.92]. Compared to LE, AE had a small positive effect on physical functioning 0.39 [0.12 to 0.66]. LIMITATIONS: there is a high risk of bias and low methodological quality in the studies particularly when comparing AE to LE with possible over estimation of the benefit of AE. CONCLUSIONS: AE may improve physical functioning in healthy older people and is at least as effective as LE.

A comparison of water-based and land-based core stability exercises in patients with lumbar disc herniation: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the effects of core stability exercise programs performed in two different environments in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients. METHOD: Thirty-one patients who were diagnosed with LDH and were experiencing pain or functional disability for at least 3 months were randomly divided into two groups as land-based exercises or water specific therapy. Also, 15 age-sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited as healthy controls. Both groups underwent an 8-week (3 times/week) core stabilization exercise program. Primary outcomes were pain, trunk muscle static endurance and perceived disability level. The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Level of static endurance of trunk muscles was found to be lower in the patients compared to the controls at baseline (p < 0.05). Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in all outcomes (p < 0.05) after 8-week intervention. When two treatment groups were compared, no differences were found in the amount of change after the intervention (p > 0.05). After the treatment, static endurance of trunk muscles of the LDH patients became similar to controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to these results, core stabilization exercise training performed on land or in water both could be beneficial in LDH patients and there is no difference between the environments. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: An 8-week core stabilization program performed in water or on land decrease pain level and improve functional status in LDH patients. Both programs seem beneficial to increase health-related quality of life and static endurance of trunk muscles. Core stability exercises could be performed in water as well, no differences were found between methods due to environment.

Balneotherapy (or spa therapy) for rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: No cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known at present, so treatment often focuses on management of symptoms such as pain, stiffness and mobility. Treatment options include pharmacological interventions, physical therapy treatments and balneotherapy. Balneotherapy is defined as bathing in natural mineral or thermal waters (e.g. mineral baths, sulphur baths, Dead Sea baths), using mudpacks or doing both. Despite its popularity, reported scientific evidence for the effectiveness or efficacy of balneotherapy is sparse. This review, which evaluates the effects of balneotherapy in patients with RA, is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003 and updated in 2008. OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review on the benefits and harms of balneotherapy in patients with RA in terms of pain, improvement, disability, tender joints, swollen joints and adverse events. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane 'Rehabilitation and Related Therapies' Field Register (to December 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2014, Issue 1), MEDLIINE (1950 to December 2014), EMBASE (1988 to December 2014), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982 to December 2014), the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) (1985 to December 2014), PsycINFO (1806 to December 2014) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). We applied no language restrictions; however, studies not reported in English, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, German or French are awaiting assessment. We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing and recently completed trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies were eligible if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) consisting of participants with definitive or classical RA as defined by the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria of 1958, the ARA/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria of 1988 or the ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria of 2010, or by studies using the criteria of Steinbrocker.Balneotherapy had to be the intervention under study, and had to be compared with another intervention or with no intervention.The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) determined in 1992 a core set of eight endpoints in clinical trials concerning patients with RA. We considered pain, improvement, disability, tender joints, swollen joints and adverse events among the main outcome measures. We excluded studies when only laboratory variables were reported as outcome measures. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials, performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias. We resolved disagreements by consensus and, if necessary, by third party adjudication. MAIN RESULTS: This review includes two new studies and a total of nine studies involving 579 participants. Unfortunately, most studies showed an unclear risk of bias in most domains. Four out of nine studies did not contribute to the analysis, as they presented no data.One study involving 45 participants with hand RA compared mudpacks versus placebo. We found no statistically significant differences in terms of pain on a 0 to 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (mean difference (MD) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.84 to 1.84), improvement (risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.70) or number of swollen joints on a scale from 0 to 28 (MD 0.60, 95% CI -0.90 to 2.10) (very low level of evidence). We found a very low level of evidence of reduction in the number of tender joints on a scale from 0 to 28 (MD -4.60, 95% CI -8.72 to -0.48; 16% absolute difference). We reported no physical disability and presented no data on withdrawals due to adverse events or on serious adverse events.Two studies involving 194 participants with RA evaluated the effectiveness of additional radon in carbon dioxide baths. We found no statistically significant differences between groups for all outcomes at three-month follow-up (low to moderate level of evidence). We noted some benefit of additional radon at six months in terms of pain frequency (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9; 31% reduction; improvement in one or more points (categories) on a 4-point scale; moderate level of evidence) and 9.6% reduction in pain intensity on a 0 to 100-mm VAS (MD 9.6 mm, 95% CI 1.6 to 17.6; moderate level of evidence). We also observed some benefit in one study including 60 participants in terms of improvement in one or more categories based on a 4-point scale (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.7; 30% absolute difference; low level of evidence). Study authors did not report physical disability, tender joints, swollen joints, withdrawals due to adverse events or serious adverse events.One study involving 148 participants with RA compared balneotherapy (seated immersion) versus hydrotherapy (exercises in water), land exercises or relaxation therapy. We found no statistically significant differences in pain on the McGill Questionnaire or in physical disability (very low level of evidence) between balneotherapy and the other interventions. No data on improvement, tender joints, swollen joints, withdrawals due to adverse events or serious adverse events were presented.One study involving 57 participants with RA evaluated the effectiveness of mineral baths (balneotherapy) versus Cyclosporin A. We found no statistically significant differences in pain intensity on a 0 to 100-mm VAS (MD 9.64, 95% CI -1.66 to 20.94; low level of evidence) at 8 weeks (absolute difference 10%). We found some benefit of balneotherapy in overall improvement on a 5-point scale at eight weeks of 54% (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.83). We found no statistically significant differences (low level of evidence) in the number of swollen joints, but some benefit of Cyclosporin A in the number of tender joints (MD 8.9, 95% CI 3.8 to 14; very low level of evidence). Physical disability, withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall evidence is insufficient to show that balneotherapy is more effective than no treatment, that one type of bath is more effective than another or that one type of bath is more effective than mudpacks, exercise or relaxation therapy.

[Effects of a programme of aquatic Ai Chi exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. A pilot study]. / Efectos de un programa de Ai Chi acuatico en pacientes con fibromialgia. Estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is rheumathological disease a combination of physical, psychological and social limitations. The aim of the present study is to determinate the benefits of Ai Chi program on quality of life, depression and pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed with 20 fibromyalgia patients two different cities. Outcome measures were functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Short Form-36). Measures were performed at baseline and after ten weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: After ten weeks of treatment, the results showed significant reduction (p < 0,05) in virtually all outcome measures. CONCLUSION: An Ai Chi aquatic therapy programme contributes to reduce pain and improve quality of life as well as physical and mental health in patients with fibromyalgia.

TITLE: Efectos de un programa de Ai Chi acuatico en pacientes con fibromialgia. Estudio piloto.Introduccion. La fibromialgia es un trastorno reumatico que presenta sintomatologia fisica, psicologica y social. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los beneficios de un programa de Ai Chi en el medio acuatico sobre la calidad de vida, depresion y dolor en pacientes con fibromialgia. Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio experimental con 20 pacientes diagnosticadas de fibromialgia de dos localidades distintas. Las dimensiones del estudio fueron la capacidad funcional (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), la valoracion del dolor (escala analogica visual) y la salud fisica y mental (Short Form-36). Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en el momento basal y al finalizar las 20 sesiones. Resultados. Finalizadas las diez semanas de tratamiento, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) en practicamente todas las variables valoradas. Conclusion. Un programa de Ai Chi en el medio acuatico contribuye a mejorar la salud fisica y mental, el dolor y la calidad de vida de pacientes con fibromialgia.

Efectos de un programa de Ai Chi acuático en pacientes con fibromialgia. Estudio piloto / Effects of a programme of aquatic Ai Chi exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. A pilot study

Introducción. La fibromialgia es un trastorno reumático que presenta sintomatología física, psicológica y social. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los beneficios de un programa de Ai Chi en el medio acuático sobre la calidad de vida, depresión y dolor en pacientes con fibromialgia. Pacientes y métodos. Se realizó un estudio experimental con 20 pacientes diagnosticadas de fibromialgia de dos localidades distintas. Las dimensiones del estudio fueron la capacidad funcional (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), la valoración del dolor (escala analógica visual) y la salud física y mental (Short Form-36). Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en el momento basal y al finalizar las 20 sesiones. Resultados. Finalizadas las diez semanas de tratamiento, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) en prácticamente todas las variables valoradas. Conclusión. Un programa de Ai Chi en el medio acuático contribuye a mejorar la salud física y mental, el dolor y la calidad de vida de pacientes con fibromialgia (AU)

Introduction. Fibromyalgia is rheumathological disease a combination of physical, psychological and social limitations. The aim of the present study is to determinate the benefits of Ai Chi program on quality of life, depression and pain. Patients and methods. An experimental study was performed with 20 fibromyalgia patients two different cities. Outcome measures were functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Short Form-36). Measures were performed at baseline and after ten weeks post-intervention. Results. After ten weeks of treatment, the results showed significant reduction (p < 0,05) in virtually all outcome measures. Conclusion. An Ai Chi aquatic therapy programme contributes to reduce pain and improve quality of life as well as physical and mental health in patients with fibromyalgia (AU)

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II in a population of Spanish children. Two hundred children ranging from 9 month to 6 years were grouped into two samples (healthy/with psychomotor delay) and screened in order to check whether they suffered from psychomotor delay. Children from three Early Intervention Centres and three schools participated in this study. Criterion validity was calculated by the method of extreme groups, comparing healthy children to those with development delay. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated using Cohen Kappa coefficient, and internal consistency was calculated via the Kuder-Richardson coefficient. The scale demonstrated 89% sensitivity, 92% specificity, a positive predicted value of 91% and a negative predicted value of 89%, whereas the positive and negative likelihood ratio was 11.12 and 0.12, respectively. Intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.662 to 1, and interobserver reliability ranged from 0.886 to 1. The Kuder-Richardson coefficient values ranged from 87.5 to 97.6%. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II was found to have a good criterion validity, reliability and internal consistency and is a suitable screening test for use in a population of Spanish children.

Effect of therapeutic aquatic exercise on symptoms and function associated with lower limb osteoarthritis: systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current management of osteoarthritis (OA) focuses on pain control and maintaining physical function through pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and surgical treatments. Exercise, including therapeutic aquatic exercise (TAE), is considered one of the most important management options. Nevertheless, there is no up-to-date systematic review describing the effect of TAE on symptoms and function associated with lower limb OA. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the effect of TAE on symptoms and function associated with lower limb OA. DATA SOURCES: The data sources used in this study were: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. STUDY SELECTION: All studies selected for review were randomized controlled trials with an aquatic exercise group and a nontreatment control group. In total, 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis and meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and checked for accuracy by 3 independent reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for all outcomes. The meta-analysis showed a significant TAE effect on pain (SMD=0.26 [95% CI=0.11, 0.41]), self-reported function (SMD=0.30 [95% CI=0.18, 0.43]), and physical functioning (SMD=0.22 [95% CI=0.07, 0.38]). Additionally, a significant effect was seen on stiffness (SMD=0.20 [95% CI=0.03, 0.36]) and quality of life (SMD=0.24 [95% CI=0.04, 0.45]). LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of outcome measures and small sample sizes for many of the included trials imply that conclusions based on these results should be made with caution. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that TAE is effective in managing symptoms associated with lower limb OA.

Effects of Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, strength and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients are often referred to aquatic physical therapy, but unfortunately, researches on the effects of aquatic therapy in MS patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, strength and fatigue in ambulatory patients with MS. METHODS: Twenty-three ambulatory female patients were divided into two groups as experimental (n = 15) or control (n = 8) for an 8-week treatment program. The experimental group underwent Ai-Chi exercises in a swimming pool and the control group performed active arm and leg exercises combined with abdominal breathing exercises at home. Static standing balance was measured with duration of one-leg stance, functional mobility was evaluated with Timed-up and Go test and 6 minute walk test, upper and lower muscle strength was assessed with hand-held dynamometer and fatigue was evaluated with Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: Improvements were observed in static standing balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in the Ai-Chi group (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in any outcome measures were observed in the control group (p > 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings Ai-Chi may improve balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in patients with MS.

Therapeutic aquatic exercise in the treatment of low back pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of therapeutic aquatic exercise in the treatment of low back pain. DESIGN: A systematic review. METHODS: A search was performed of PEDro, CINAHL (ovid), PUBMED, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and SPORTDiscus databases to identify relevant studies published between 1990 and 2007. POPULATION: Adults suffering from low back pain. INTERVENTION: All types of therapeutic aquatic exercise. COMPARISON: All clinical trials using a control group. OUTCOMES: Oswestry Disability Index, McGill Pain Questionnaire, subjective assessment scale for pain (e.g. visual analogue scale) and number of work days lost as a direct result of low back pain. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the SIGN 50 assessment forms. RESULTS: Thirty-seven trials were found and seven were accepted into the review. Therapeutic aquatic exercise appeared to have a beneficial effect, however, no better than other interventions. Methodological quality was considered low in all included studies. The heterogeneity among studies, in numbers of subjects, symptoms durations, interventions and reporting of outcomes, precluded any extensive meta-analysis of the results. CONCLUSION: There was sufficient evidence to suggest that therapeutic aquatic exercise is potentially beneficial to patients suffering from chronic low back pain and pregnancy-related low back pain. There is further need for high-quality trials to substantiate the use of therapeutic aquatic exercise in a clinical setting.

Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis. A cochrane review.

OBJECTIVE: Balneotherapy (or spa therapy, mineral baths) for patients with arthritis is one of the oldest forms of therapy. We assessed effectiveness of balneotherapy for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We performed a broad search strategy to retrieve eligible studies, selecting randomized controlled trials comparing balneotherapy with any intervention or with no intervention. Two authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. Disagreements were solved by consensus. In the event of clinical heterogeneity or lack of data we refrained from statistical pooling. RESULTS: Seven trials (498 patients) were included in this review: one performed an intention-to-treat analysis, 2 provided data for our own analysis, and one reported a "quality of life" outcome. We found silver-level evidence of mineral baths compared to no treatment (effect sizes 0.34-1.82). Adverse events were not measured or found in included trials. CONCLUSION: We found silver-level evidence concerning the beneficial effects of mineral baths compared to no treatment. Of all other balneological treatments, no clear effects were found. However, the scientific evidence is weak because of the poor methodological quality and the absence of an adequate statistical analysis and data presentation.