Methajarunon (2016) Systematic review of published studies on aquatic exercise for balance in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and hemiplegia.

Aquatic Exercise for Neurological Disorders: Enhancing Balance and Gait

Introduction to Aquatic Therapy’s Benefits

Aquatic exercise, known for its therapeutic potential, particularly shines in neurological rehabilitation. This study systematically reviews its effects on balance among patients with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and hemiplegia. The unique properties of water, such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure, create an ideal rehabilitation setting, providing a low-impact, supportive environment that fosters postural control and reduces the risk of falls.

Evidence of Aquatic Exercise’s Efficacy

The review encompasses eight studies, revealing significant improvements in both static and dynamic balance for patients with multiple sclerosis and hemiplegia. While aquatic exercise’s impact on gait ability is notable in multiple sclerosis, evidence remains inconclusive for Parkinson’s disease due to limited research with small sample sizes.

Aquatic Therapy in Hungary: A Tradition Backed by Science

Hungary’s rich balneotherapy tradition, leveraging its abundant thermal-mineral waters, aligns well with these findings. The country’s extensive use of these natural resources for health and rehabilitation purposes underscores the global relevance of aquatic therapy in managing musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Conclusion: A Call for Further Research

This review underscores aquatic exercise’s potential in improving balance for neurological patients, highlighting the need for further studies, particularly on Parkinson’s disease. The integration of traditional practices like Hungary’s balneotherapy with evidence-based findings could enhance the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for neurological conditions.

Keyphrase: Aquatic Exercise for Neurological Disorders: Enhancing Balance and Gait

Keywords: aquatic exercise, balance, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease.