Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of Parkinson´s disease symptoms

This study investigated the effectiveness of hydrotherapy (HT; physical exercise done in a pool) in the treatment of Parkinson´s disease symptoms. Researchers suggested that HT helps patients manage their symptoms. 

Parkinson´s disease is a degenerative disease that affects brain cells. This can cause symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity, and impaired balance. Difficulty in movements can lead patients to have an inactive life. It is well known that physical inactivity affects Parkinson´s outcomes, reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of falls.

HT has been largely used as a rehabilitation therapy for patients with physical disorders. Moreover, physical exercise in the water is safer since it reduces the fear and risk of falling. However, the effectiveness of HT in patients with Parkinson´s disease is still not clear.

This study reviewed 19 other studies on HT in patients with PD. It included information about 484 patients overall. These patients underwent either HT or land-based physical exercise or no physical exercise at all. The authors looked at patients' balance, overall symptoms and quality of life.

HT was associated with improved outcomes in balance and in daily living physical movements when compared to land exercises or no physical exercise.

Patients who had HT reported a better quality of life than those who had land exercises.

This study determined that HT is associated with improved outcomes of Parkinson´s symptoms and increased quality of life.