Aquatic Exercise and Outcomes for Participants with OA Knee using PD-focused Exercises

Aquatic Exercise and Outcomes for Participants with OA Knee using PD-focused Exercises

Purpose:

Case study to determine if a four-week aquatic exercise program has an impact on outcomes related to osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain following a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) focused exercise program. The participant was recruited from Fairfax County, Virginia. The participant was required to sign an informed consent form and agree to pre/post testing.

Methodology:

Exercise program consisted of large amplitude movements, multi-directional stepping, trunk rotations, and weight shifting

Participant Demographic:

Female

Greater than 60 years of age

Cleared by physician to participate

OA knee diagnosis

No diagnosis of PD

Program Structure:

Meet weekly for four-weeks for 45-minute aquatic exercise sessions

Pre-test and post-test assessments

Standardized tests conducted:

Timed Up & Go (TUG)

30 second Chair Stand (30SCS)

Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

Results:

The participant improved scores in TUG and WOMAC scores.

(TUG is an objective test and determines fall risk, which a lower score indicates a reduced risk. The WOMAC is a subjective test, which the participant self-reports pain with various activities, stiffness (at various times of the day), and difficult with physical function. With this assessment a lower score means less pain or less/reduced difficulty with various task to include stair climbing, transfers, dressing, and housekeeping.)

Pre-test scores: TUG- 7.41s 30SCS- 11 WOMAC- 56.25% Post-test scores: TUG- 7s 30SCS- 11 WOMAC- 27%

Findings:

The PD-specific aquatic exercise program appears to have benefits for those with knee OA. With older adults, comorbidities are common. Therefore, this case study was performed to determine if the PD-specific exercises would have any impact on knee OA. These improvements are very promising for both those with diagnoses such as OA and likely people with Parkinson’s (PwP). Aquatic exercise leads to benefits for those with OA and likely PwP based on the improved scores during this short four-week case study. Therefore, aquatic exercise programming should be considered for individuals with OA and PD looking for improvements in mobility, balance, and quality of life.

Future Application:

My goal with this case study is to determine the benefits for aquatic exercise for those diagnosed with OA and potentially PwP after a four-week program. I am looking forward to providing this program to others diagnosed with OA and PwP in northern Virginia.