Does water-based exercise improve the quality of life and functioning of stroke survivors?

This study investigated the effects of water-based exercise (WBE) in the treatment of stroke survivors. Researchers suggested that WBE significantly improves the treatment and the quality of life of these patients.

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut off. These cells stop receiving oxygen and begin to die. The abilities controlled by them are lost leaving the survivor with complications such as arm paralysis. Many of these disabilities improve if the patients receive adequate care. 

WBE allows limbs (arms and legs) to move easier and with little strength. This improves body function and movement. Prior studies, reviewing the effectiveness of WBE in stroke patients did not include results of clinical trials. Since data might have been missing, further studies are needed.  

The objective of this study is to review the clinical trials that investigated the effectiveness of WBE in stroke survivors. This study included information about 15 clinical trials.

WBE compared to land exercise, improved muscle strength, balance, gait speed, movement, reach and lung/heart capacity. A combination of WBE and land exercise also improved balance, gait speed and reach. 

WBE also improved body function, emotional and social well-being and body pain, when compared to land exercise.

This study concluded that WBE improves the rehabilitation and quality of life of stroke survivors.  

This study included a limited number of studies/participants. Further studies with a bigger population are needed.