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Open AccessReview
Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management
by
Roberto Tedeschi
Roberto Tedeschi 1,*,
Federica Giorgi
Federica Giorgi 2 and
Danilo Donati
Danilo Donati 3,4
1
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
2
Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, 40124 Bologna, Italy
3
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
4
Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(19), 5811; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195811 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 2 September 2024
/
Revised: 17 September 2024
/
Accepted: 26 September 2024
/
Published: 28 September 2024
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition that significantly impairs pain, mobility, and quality of life. Hydrokinesiotherapy, a water-based exercise therapy, is gaining traction as a potential alternative to traditional land-based rehabilitation for managing knee OA symptoms. Methods: This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrokinesiotherapy compared to standard land-based physical therapy and self-administered exercise regimens in improving pain, joint mobility, quality of life, and physical function in patients with knee OA. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, assessing outcomes using measures such as the WOMAC score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and SF-12. The studies were critically appraised using the PEDro scale and the RoB-2 tool to determine the quality and risk of bias. Results: Hydrokinesiotherapy consistently demonstrated superior outcomes in pain reduction, joint mobility, and physical function across all studies. Patients in the hydrokinesiotherapy groups reported significant improvements in pain and mobility, which were strongly associated with enhanced quality of life. The review also highlighted the potential for hydrokinesiotherapy to serve as an effective alternative or complement to land-based exercises, particularly in populations experiencing severe symptoms. Conlusions: Hydrokinesiotherapy is an effective intervention for managing knee OA, offering significant improvements in key clinical outcomes. Given its benefits, hydrokinesiotherapy should be considered a valuable addition to knee OA treatment protocols. However, further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and to explore ways to improve accessibility to this therapeutic option.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Tedeschi, R.; Giorgi, F.; Donati, D.
Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 5811.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195811
AMA Style
Tedeschi R, Giorgi F, Donati D.
Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024; 13(19):5811.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195811
Chicago/Turabian Style
Tedeschi, Roberto, Federica Giorgi, and Danilo Donati.
2024. "Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management" Journal of Clinical Medicine 13, no. 19: 5811.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195811
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