Rehabilitation for those with a spinal cord injury typically focuses on regaining any mobility possible, as well as strengthening or maintaining muscle function. Aquatic exercise, whether swimming or strength training, can make it easier to meet this goal.

Water offers an advantage over land-based rehabilitation because it supports one’s weight and makes it possible to move body parts the patient cannot move on land. Someone who requires a wheelchair on land may walk when submerged in water. This is due to hydrostatic pressure, which reduces swelling and signals the body’s sensory receptors.

The benefits of water for those with limited mobility have been known for quite some time. However, this knowledge may do little to ensure those who can benefit get access to either private or public pools during regular physical therapy or as part of the rehabilitation process. But research documenting these benefits continues to accumulate and hopefully will convince insurers to cover this form of therapy.

A new study, published in Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, found that, despite its effectiveness, aquatics-based rehabilitation remains underutilized for spinal cord injuries. Researchers confirmed aquatic therapy to be highly effective for these patients. The study also found that new devices and technology allow certain populations with spinal cord injuries the ability to get into water. For instance, those with incontinence, colostomy bags, or mechanical ventilators previously could not participate in water-based activities.

The findings uncover a need for additional research, particularly when it comes to protocols and additional safety measures, to allow these spinal cord injury patients with special needs better access to aquatic therapies.

Special thanks to the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Research Referenced:
Frye, S., Ogonowska-Slodownik, A., and Geigle, P., R. (2017). Aquatic Exercise for People With Spinal Cord Injury. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(1), 195–197. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.07.010

Recio, A. C., Stiens, S. A., & Kubrova, E. (2017). Aquatic-Based Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Effective Yet Underutilized. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 5(3), 108–112. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-017-0158-5