OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy which combines elements of warm water immersion and exercise. It was predicted that hydrotherapy would result in a greater therapeutic benefit than either of these components separately. METHODS:One hundred thirty-nine patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to hydrotherapy, seated immersion, land exercise, or progressive relaxation. Patients attended 30-minute sessions twice weekly for 4 weeks. Physical and psychological measures were completed before and after intervention, and at a 3-month followup. RESULTS: All patients improved physically and emotionally, as assessed by the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 questionnaire. Belief that pain was controlled by chance happenings decreased, signifying improvement. In addition, hydrotherapy patients showed significantly greater improvement in joint tenderness and in knee range of movement (women only). At followup, hydrotherapy patients maintained the improvement in emotional and psychological state. CONCLUSIONS: Although all patients experienced some benefit, hydrotherapy produced the greatest improvements. This study, therefore, provides some justification for the continued use of hydrotherapy.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy which combines elements of warm water immersion and exercise. It was predicted that hydrotherapy would result in a greater therapeutic benefit than either of these components separately. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to hydrotherapy, seated immersion, land exercise, or progressive relaxation. Patients attended 30-minute sessions twice weekly for 4 weeks. Physical and psychological measures were completed before and after intervention, and at a 3-month followup. RESULTS: All patients improved physically and emotionally, as assessed by the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 questionnaire. Belief that pain was controlled by chance happenings decreased, signifying improvement. In addition, hydrotherapy patients showed significantly greater improvement in joint tenderness and in knee range of movement (women only). At followup, hydrotherapy patients maintained the improvement in emotional and psychological state. CONCLUSIONS: Although all patients experienced some benefit, hydrotherapy produced the greatest improvements. This study, therefore, provides some justification for the continued use of hydrotherapy.
Authors: Tamás Bender; Zeki Karagülle; Géza P Bálint; Christoph Gutenbrunner; Péter V Bálint; Shaul Sukenik Journal: Rheumatol Int Date: 2004-07-15 Impact factor: 2.631
Authors: Anna L Barker; Jason Talevski; Renata T Morello; Genevieve A Nolan; Renee D De Silva; Andrew M Briggs Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2015-10-29 Impact factor: 2.980
Authors: Arianne P Verhagen; Sita M A Bierma-Zeinstra; Maarten Boers; Jefferson R Cardoso; Johan Lambeck; Rob de Bie; Henrica C W de Vet Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2015-04-11
Authors: Emalie Hurkmans; Florus J van der Giesen; Thea Pm Vliet Vlieland; Jan Schoones; E C H M Van den Ende Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2009-10-07
Authors: Grace H Lo; Uzoh E Ikpeama; Jeffrey B Driban; Andrea M Kriska; Timothy E McAlindon; Nancy J Petersen; Kristi L Storti; Charles B Eaton; Marc C Hochberg; Rebecca D Jackson; C Kent Kwoh; Michael C Nevitt; Maria E Suarez-Almazor Journal: PM R Date: 2019-12-04 Impact factor: 2.298