Who says the pool rules? SCIENCE says the pool rules! Science in the house!!
Top 8 Reasons Why Water Works for the TKR:
1. Improved Functional Outcomes: Aquatic therapy has been shown to significantly improve functional outcomes, such as chair-stand performance and overall physical function, in patients undergoing TKR.[1]
2. Pain Reduction: Aquatic therapy effectively reduces knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, which can be beneficial for TKR patients both pre- and post-operatively.[2-3]
3. Enhanced Mobility: Aquatic resistance training improves walking speed and stair ascending time, which are critical for post-TKR rehabilitation.[4]
4. Improved Quality of Life: Aquatic therapy has been associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life, particularly in reducing pain and enhancing physical function.[5]
5. Reduced Depression and Improved Cognition: Aquatic therapy has been shown to improve depression and cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing TKR, contributing to better overall mental health.[1]
6. Safety and Tolerability: Aquatic therapy is well-tolerated and safe, with no serious adverse events reported, making it a suitable option for patients with knee osteoarthritis and those undergoing TKR.[3][5]
7. Enhanced Muscle Strength and Power: Aquatic resistance training increases knee extensor and flexor power, as well as thigh muscle cross-sectional area, which are essential for recovery after TKR.[4]
8. Sustained Benefits: The benefits of aquatic therapy, such as pain reduction and improved physical function, are sustained for at least three months post-intervention, providing long-term advantages for TKR patients.[3]
Together, these points collectively highlight the multifaceted benefits of aquatic therapy for TKR patients, emphasizing improvements in pain, function, mobility, quality of life, mental health, and muscle strength.
References
Kim S, Hsu FC, Groban L, Williamson J, Messier S. A Pilot Study of Aquatic Prehabilitation in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty - Short Term Outcome. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2021;22(1):388. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04253-1.
Rewald S, Lenssen AFT, Emans PJ, et al.Aquatic Cycling Improves Knee Pain and Physical Functioning in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2020;101(8):1288-1295. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2019.12.023.
Xu Z, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Wen Y.Efficacy and Safety of Aquatic Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Clinical Rehabilitation. 2023;37(3):330-347. doi:10.1177/02692155221134240.
Valtonen A, Pöyhönen T, Sipilä S, Heinonen A.Effects of Aquatic Resistance Training on Mobility Limitation and Lower-Limb Impairments After Knee Replacement.Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2010;91(6):833-9. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2010.03.002.
Lei C, Chen H, Zheng S, et al.The Efficacy and Safety of Hydrotherapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
International Journal of Surgery (London, England). 2024;110(3):1711-1722. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000000962.
The pool is the best place to do post operative rehab. No pain and loads of stretching possible.