Aquatic physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Talita Gianello Gnoato Zotz, Eliani Arruda Souza, Vera Lúcia Israel, Ana Paula Cunha Loureiro

Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Biosciences Pontifical Catholic, University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
Physical Therapy Clinic, Curitiba, Brazil.
Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of Paraná, Matinhos, Brazil.

DOI: 10.4236/apd.2013.24019                

Abstract

One of the predominant effects of PD is alteration of motor skills, which leads to compromised posture and physical balance. Aquatic physical therapy, performed in a heated pool, can serve as one of intervention alternatives for PD carriers. Aim: To analyze the effects of the Halliwick Concept hydrotherapy in acquisition of motor skills in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: A clinical, qualitative method was used to evaluate 7 volunteers (59.85 ± 7.92 years of age, both male and female), who were in II and III stages of PD according to the Hoehn & Yar Scale. The participants were evaluated in the start and end of the interventions phase, and then the evaluation was conducted interventions in a heated pool (32?C - 34?C) twice a week, each session lasting approximately 30 minutes, totaling 10 sessions. The Halliwick Principles’ 3-phase 10-point methods were used for acquisition of aquatic motor skills. Results: They indicate an improvement in their ability to float in prone and supine positions (P = 0.04*) and longitudinal rotation in the bipedal position. Conclusion: The activation of motor control improved the motor skills of the participants.

Keywords

Parkinson’s Disease; Motor Skills; Hydrotherapy; Halliwick Concept

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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