Aquatic physical therapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis: results of a single-bl

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Phys Ther. 2007 Jan;87(1):32-43.

Aquatic physical therapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis: results of

a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Hinman RS, Heywood SE, Day AR.

Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of

Melbourne, Melbourne, , Australia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aquatic physical therapy is frequently used

in the management of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA),

yet there is little research establishing its efficacy for this

population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of

aquatic physical therapy on hip or knee OA.

SUBJECTS: A total of 71 volunteers with symptomatic hip OA or knee

OA participated in this study.

METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial in

which participants randomly received 6 weeks of aquatic physical

therapy or no aquatic physical therapy. Outcome measures included

pain, physical function, physical activity levels, quality of life,

and muscle strength.

RESULTS: The intervention resulted in less pain and joint stiffness

and greater physical function, quality of life, and hip muscle

strength. Totals of 72% and 75% of participants reported

improvements in pain and function, respectively, compared with only

17% (each) of control participants. Benefits were maintained 6 weeks

after the completion of physical therapy, with 84% of participants

continuing independently.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Compared with no intervention, a 6-week

program of aquatic physical therapy resulted in significantly less

pain and improved physical function, strength, and quality of life.

It is unclear whether the benefits were attributable to intervention

effects or a placebo response.