The Effects of a Motorized Aquatic Treadmill Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Clinical Function in Subacute Stroke Patients

Objective 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.