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.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/ff3657322

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