SwimEx Aquatic Therapy Tip

Falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. In the age 65-and-over population, approximately 35% to 40% of community-dwelling, generally healthy older persons fall every year. And after age 75, the rates are higher.¹ The cost of fall injuries in the United States continues to rise. In 2000, the total direct costs of non-fatal fall injuries for people 65 and older was $19 billion. The cost is expected to grow to $43.8 billion by the year 2020.²

There are numerous rehabilitation factors that physical therapists can influence to impact fall prevention such as muscle weakness, gait deficits, balance problems, appropriate use of assistive devices, home modifications and education. In addition, exercising in an aquatic medium such as SwimEx is an excellent way to improve a person’s balance because of water’s unique properties.

Buoyancy
The buoyancy of the water allows for increased support, which in turn contributes to improved freedom of movement for the client. Water will also help reduce a person’s apprehensiveness to movement. A client will be more likely to take a greater risk while exercising in the water because the only consequence will be falling into a supportive medium, rather than falling on the ground with risk of injury.

For example, walking backward requires a significant amount of balance, coordination, posture and stabilization. Having a client with balance issues attempt to walk backward on land would be very difficult. However, in the water a client will be more likely to take the risk and attempt the exercise because their fear and risk of falling is reduced. This in turn improves confidence as well as balance, coordination and stabilization.

Three-Dimensional Resistance
Water provides three-dimensional support and resistance to a client’s movement which is much more functional. When we walk, for example, even though we only move in one plane, we need to be stable in the other two. The water’s three-dimensional resistance allows this to occur automatically during functional aquatic exercise.

This three-dimensional resistance allows the therapist to get very creative for challenging a client’s exercise program. By exercising the client using multiple speeds, positions, and directions the exercise possibilities are limitless.

Viscosity
In the water, viscosity provides resistance to movement. Viscosity also allows an increased latency period to occur so that when a client loses their balance the viscosity provides an increased amount of time for the client to react. This is a great way to train for improved balance reactions.

Laminar Flow
In the SwimEx the therapist can enhance the above-described properties by taking advantage of the unique laminar flow current system. This adjustable current can be used as a second pair of hands to provide a smooth support to the unsteady client. Modifying the current’s multiple speeds as well as the client’s position and direction, the therapist has unlimited possibilities to challenge the client’s balance.