Effect of aquatic exercise on physical function and QOL in individuals with neurological disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: When applying aquatic exercise program to patients with neurological disorder, quality of life (QOL) can be changed by physical function or psychological improvement. Methods: Cochrane Database, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, PEDro, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS were used to systematically search for relevant studies published between January 1999 and June 2019. The study quality was determined using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Eight of the 326 retrieved articles met the inclusion criteria. The results of the studies led to a general consensus: physical education program increased balance and gait and decreased pain. QOL improved as physical health, mental health, and vitality recuperated. Conclusions: The findings indicate that aquatic exercise program could be helpful when treating neurological disorders and should be considered as a means of reducing pain while increasing physical function and QOL in standard clinical research programs. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The use of aquatic exercise programs in patients with neurological disorders may lead to improvements in balance, gait, pain reduction, and enhancements in physical health, mental health, and vitality.