Background: The aquatic environment has unique properties, such a buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance, which can be used to gain a range of exercise benefits. During the last decade, hydrotherapy has spread in a very heterogeneous rehabilitation field. However, the efficacy of this kind of rehabilitation is not clear in scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative results of physical therapy treatments in an aquatic setting for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Method: PRISMA guidelines were used to carry out the systematic review and meta-analysis. Three bibliographic databases were searched: MEDLINE, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Papers included in the study have the following characteristics: (a) a randomized controlled trial design of research and (b) published in English. The quality of the clinical trials included were evaluated according to a Jadad score and through meta-analysis. Results: After the elimination of duplicates, 116 records were screened. Among these, 11 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Ten of these were involved in the meta-analysis. From the qualitative analysis, a larger number of studies were found with a high level of quality. Most of the results of the quantitative analysis were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Aquatic physical therapy is a valid means of rehabilitation for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The integration of this methodological approach with conventional physical therapy is recommended. Nevertheless, more studies, a larger number of participants, and short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up are required to confirm current results.

The effect of aquatic physical therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis / Amedoro, Alessio; Berardi, Anna; Conte, Antonella; Pelosin, Elisa; Valente, Donatella; Maggi, Giuseppe; Tofani, Marco; Galeoto, Giovanni. - In: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS. - ISSN 2211-0348. - (2020), pp. 1-7. [10.1016/j.msard.2020.102022]

The effect of aquatic physical therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Amedoro, Alessio;Berardi, Anna;Conte, Antonella;Valente, Donatella;Maggi, Giuseppe;Tofani, Marco;Galeoto, Giovanni
2020

Abstract

Background: The aquatic environment has unique properties, such a buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance, which can be used to gain a range of exercise benefits. During the last decade, hydrotherapy has spread in a very heterogeneous rehabilitation field. However, the efficacy of this kind of rehabilitation is not clear in scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative results of physical therapy treatments in an aquatic setting for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Method: PRISMA guidelines were used to carry out the systematic review and meta-analysis. Three bibliographic databases were searched: MEDLINE, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Papers included in the study have the following characteristics: (a) a randomized controlled trial design of research and (b) published in English. The quality of the clinical trials included were evaluated according to a Jadad score and through meta-analysis. Results: After the elimination of duplicates, 116 records were screened. Among these, 11 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Ten of these were involved in the meta-analysis. From the qualitative analysis, a larger number of studies were found with a high level of quality. Most of the results of the quantitative analysis were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Aquatic physical therapy is a valid means of rehabilitation for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The integration of this methodological approach with conventional physical therapy is recommended. Nevertheless, more studies, a larger number of participants, and short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up are required to confirm current results.
2020
aquatic therapy; aquatic exercise; hydrotherapy; aquatic treatment; multiple sclerosis
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01g Articolo di rassegna (Review)
The effect of aquatic physical therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis / Amedoro, Alessio; Berardi, Anna; Conte, Antonella; Pelosin, Elisa; Valente, Donatella; Maggi, Giuseppe; Tofani, Marco; Galeoto, Giovanni. - In: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS. - ISSN 2211-0348. - (2020), pp. 1-7. [10.1016/j.msard.2020.102022]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1366468
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