Role of Physical Therapy of Aquatic Fitness In Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke for World Health Association (WHO) is a syn­drome of rapid development, with clinical signs of disturbance of brain function. As consequence, most of these patients have shown a reduction in aerobic capacity and strength compared to healthy subjects. The aquatic therapy, with its therapeutic effects and, physi­cal and physiological principles, may improve the cardio-respira­tory system leading to a better physical conditioning. Objective. To evaluate the fitness improvement of stroke patients in aquatic therapy throughout the instruments of metrics: effort and heart rate. Method. 13 stroke patients underwent two weekly treatments of aquatic therapy, hydrotherapy sector of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein from January to December 2010. The Borg assessment was performed before, during and after the session of aquatic therapy. Results. We performed 31 tests in 13 pacients within 12 months of therapy, and it was observed an improvement in overall fitness of these patients by 50%. Conclusion. After 6 months later of aerobic activity, there was an improvement of effort and heart rate. Further research are nedeed for more significant evidence.