Tracy Wall1, Lisa Falvo2, Adam Kesten3. 1. a School of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy , Quinnipiac University , Hamden , CT , USA. 2. b Kenmore Physical Therapy , Boston , MA , USA. 3. c Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation , West Orange , NJ , USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Aquatic therapy can lead to improved mobility and health in individuals with various conditions. This case report looks at an activity-specific aquatic therapy targeting gait for a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). CASE REPORT: The patient participated in an individualized aquatic therapy program two times a week for 6 weeks. Assessment occurred prior to the intervention. There were two follow-up assessments after the intervention. Follow-up assessment 1 was completed within the same week as the final intervention. Follow-up assessment 2 was completed 4 weeks after the first follow-up to assess for carryover. RESULTS: Improvements that met minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference were noted in The Walking for Spinal Cord Injury Index-II, Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Index gait parameters, and gait speed. DISCUSSION: An activity-specific aquatic therapy program improved gait in a patient with iSCI. The properties of water create a practical environment for safe practice of skills. Further studies are warranted in large samples.
INTRODUCTION: Aquatic therapy can lead to improved mobility and health in individuals with various conditions. This case report looks at an activity-specific aquatic therapy targeting gait for a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). CASE REPORT: The patient participated in an individualized aquatic therapy program two times a week for 6 weeks. Assessment occurred prior to the intervention. There were two follow-up assessments after the intervention. Follow-up assessment 1 was completed within the same week as the final intervention. Follow-up assessment 2 was completed 4 weeks after the first follow-up to assess for carryover. RESULTS: Improvements that met minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference were noted in The Walking for Spinal Cord Injury Index-II, Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Index gait parameters, and gait speed. DISCUSSION: An activity-specific aquatic therapy program improved gait in a patient with iSCI. The properties of water create a practical environment for safe practice of skills. Further studies are warranted in large samples.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aquatic therapy; case report; spinal cord injury
Authors: Andresa R Marinho-Buzelli; Alexandra J Zaluski; Avril Mansfield; Alison M Bonnyman; Kristin E Musselman Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2019-10 Impact factor: 1.985