Effects of hydrotherapy on osteoarthritic older adult
Graduation Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Kinesiology: Exercise Science, 2016
Committee Chair Name
Justus Ortega
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Hydrotherapy, Gait changes with Osteoarthritis, 4-meter walk test, Timed up and Go test, Osteoarthritis, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Kinesiology, Chair sit to Stand test
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 27 million adults and is the most common age-related rheumatic disease of the musculoskeletal system. OA is associated with changes in gait cycle parameters that include reductions in range of motion stride length and walking speed Previous research indicates that these changes are due to the degeneration of bone cartilage and hypertrophy of bone and muscle. There are several therapeutic modalities that address the progression of OA. Hydrotherapy and land-based therapy have been seen to reduce pain and stiffness allowing patients to participate to a greater extent in exercise programs and activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to further understand the effects of hydrotherapy on balance, mobility, and pain in an older adult with lower body osteoarthritis. The effects of hydrotherapy were assessed using an Arthritis Impact measurement pain scale, 4-meter walk test, Chair Sit to Stand test, Timed up and Go test, and clinical test for sensory and balance integration. After the completion of a 6-week hydrotherapy program our subject demonstrated improvements of (40%) 4 meter walk, (57%) chair sit to stand, (27%) timed up and go, with an overall improvement on balance and arthritis impact measurement scale. We accept our hypothesis that a 6-week hydrotherapy program does show clinically significant improvements.
Recommended Citation
Alvarado, Diego Israel, "Effects of hydrotherapy on osteoarthritic older adult" (2016). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1848.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1848
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/ff3657322