CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Cybermedlife - Therapeutic Actions Ai-Chi Aquatic Exercise

Effects of Ai Chi on balance, quality of life, functional mobility, and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Title: Effects of Ai Chi on balance, quality of life, functional mobility, and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. Abstract Source: Disabil Rehabil. 2018 Apr ;40(7):791-797. Epub 2017 Jan 13. PMID: 28084851 Abstract Author(s): Emine Eda Kurt, Buket Büyükturan, Öznur Büyükturan, Hatice Rana Erdem, Figen Tuncay Article Affiliation: Emine Eda Kurt Abstract: PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate effects of Ai Chi on balance, functional mobility, health-related quality of life, and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHOD: This study was conducted as an open-label randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN26292510) with repeated measures. Forty patients with Parkinson's disease stages 2 to 3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr Scale were randomly allocated to either an Ai Chi exercise group or a land-based exercise control group for 5 weeks. Balance was measured using the Biodex-3,1 and the Berg Balance Scale. Functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test. Additionally, health-related quality of life and motor activity were assessed with the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III. RESULTS: Although patients in both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome variables, improvement of dynamic balance was significantly greater in the Ai Chi group (p < 0.001), Berg Balance Scale (p < 0.001), Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.002), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (p < 0.001), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an Ai Chi exercise program improves balance, mobility, motor ability, and quality of life. In addition, Ai Chi exercise was more effective as an intervention than land-based exercise in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Implications for rehabilitation Ai Chi exercises (aquatic exercises) may help improve balance, functional mobility, health-related quality of life, and motor ability in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease more efficiently than similar land-based exercises. Ai Chi exercises should be considered as a rehabilitation option for treatment of patients with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2018

A bicentric controlled study on the effects of aquatic Ai Chi in Parkinson disease.

Abstract Title: A bicentric controlled study on the effects of aquatic Ai Chi in Parkinson disease. Abstract Source: Complement Ther Med. 2018 Feb ;36:147-153. Epub 2017 Dec 8. PMID: 29458923 Abstract Author(s): Sagrario Pérez-de la Cruz Article Affiliation: Sagrario Pérez-de la Cruz Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Various exercise strategies have been suggested to address movement deficits in order to improve motor function and quality of life for individuals in the early or moderate stages of Parkinson disease. The purpose is to evaluate the effects of an aquatic Ai Chi intervention on balance, gait speed and quality of life of patients. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: Twenty-nine people with Parkinson disease participated in this pilot study. People were randomized into (1) aquatic Ai Chi program (experimental group) and (2) a dry land conventional Western physical therapy intervention (control group). Twenty-two twice-weekly sessions were performed with the 14 patients assigned to the experimental group, during the same period of time as the control group (same number of sessions), who received dry land therapy. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Visual Analogue scale (VAS), The Timed Get up and Go test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, single leg standing, Yesavage test and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). A descriptive analysis was performed on all study variables. RESULTS: The results showed a significant effect on time - of a high effect which indicates that the VAS scores (F 1.3; p < 0.001), Five time (F = 1.8; p = 0.001) and Get up and Go (F = 1.7; p < 0.001) significantly decreased in time, independent of the treatment group. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the results shown on the PDQ-39 scale, finding only changes in the section of social support (p < 0.001 F = 18.63). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this 11-week controlled pilot trial suggest that aquatic Ai Chi applied twice weekly may potentially reduce Parkinsonian symptoms as measured on different motor symptoms, bradykinesia and rigidity. Article Published Date : Jan 31, 2018

Effectiveness of aquatic therapy for the control of pain and increased functionality in people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized clinical trial📎

Abstract Title: Effectiveness of aquatic therapy for the control of pain and increased functionality in people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized clinical trial. Abstract Source: Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2017 Dec ;53(6):825-832. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28627861 Abstract Author(s): Sagrario Pérez de la Cruz Article Affiliation: Sagrario Pérez de la Cruz Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gait, balance disorders and pain associated with Parkinson's disease represent important therapeutic challenges, as they are related with an increased risk of falls, together with disability and physical decline. AIM: To compare the effects of an aquatic ai chi training program on the perception of pain, the maintenance of balance and the functional independence of patients with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Parkinson's associations and municipal pools. POPULATION: Thirty individuals from two Parkinson's associations in Spain participated in the study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in stages 1 to 3 (Hoehn and Yahr Scale), older than 40 years, in the off phase (not medicated) and with a score greater or equal to 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale, without any medical contraindications and who accepted the study norms. METHODS: The experimental group (N.=15 patients) participated in a program of aquatic ai chi. The control group (N.=15) received therapy on dry land. The intervention lasted 10 weeks with sessions held twice weekly. The pain VAS, Tinetti, Berg, Test Get Up and Go, Five Times Test and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale were used. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the baseline and one-month follow up assessments in pain perception values (F=26.89, P<0.001), and the Tinetti Test (F=21.57, P<0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05) with the exception of the FTSTS (P=0.006). In the control group, improvements were only seen on the VAS Pain Scale (F=8.3, P=0.004) and these were less significant than the changes found in the experimental group. Regarding the scores obtained on the UPDRS scale in the experimental group, there were significant differences in activities of daily living and motor examination, with the exception of mentation, behavior and mood. CONCLUSIONS: An aquatic ai chi program appears to be a valid treatment option for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease for the treatment of pain, balance and functional capacity. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Physical exercise performed in water has positive effects on some of the necessary elements that contribute towards improved biomechanical gait patterns in our patients with Parkinson's disease. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2017

The effect of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study📎

Abstract Title: The effect of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Abstract Source: J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 May ;29(5):884-890. Epub 2017 May 16. PMID: 28603365 Abstract Author(s): Billy C L So, Iris S Y Kong, Roy K L Lee, Ryan W F Man, William H K Tse, Adalade K W Fong, William W N Tsang Article Affiliation: Billy C L So Abstract: [Purpose] To examine the efficacy of Ai Chi in relieving the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and improving, physical functioning, proprioception and quality of life. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five persons with knee osteoarthritis completed 5 weeks Ai Chi practice (60 minutes per session, twice per week, 10 sessions in total). Knee pain and stiffness were measured before and after the intervention program. [Results] Significant improvements in pain, self-perceived physical functioning and self-perceived stiffness were observed after the Ai-Chi intervention. On average, no significant change in knee range of motion, 6-minute walk test distances or proprioception was observed. [Conclusion] A five-week Ai Chi intervention can improve the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and self-perceived physical functions and quality of life improvement. Ai Chi may be another treatment choice for people with knee OA to practice in the community. Article Published Date : Apr 30, 2017

An Ai Chi-based aquatic group improves balance and reduces falls in community-dwelling adults: A pilot observational cohort study.

Abstract Title: An Ai Chi-based aquatic group improves balance and reduces falls in community-dwelling adults: A pilot observational cohort study. Abstract Source: Physiother Theory Pract. 2016 Nov ;32(8):581-590. Epub 2016 Oct 6. PMID: 27710164 Abstract Author(s): Elizabeth H Skinner, Tammy Dinh, Melissa Hewitt, Ross Piper, Claire Thwaites Article Affiliation: Elizabeth H Skinner Abstract: BACKGROUND: Falls are associated with morbidity, loss of independence, and mortality. While land-based group exercise and Tai Chi programs reduce the risk of falls, aquatic therapy may allow patients to complete balance exercises with less pain and fear of falling; however, limited data exist. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to pilot the implementation of an aquatic group based on Ai Chi principles (Aquabalance) and to evaluate the safety, intervention acceptability, and intervention effect sizes. DESIGN: Pilot observational cohort study. METHODS: Forty-two outpatients underwent a single 45-minute weekly group aquatic Ai Chi-based session for eight weeks (Aquabalance). Safety was monitored using organizational reporting systems. Patient attendance, satisfaction, and self-reported falls were also recorded. Balance measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Four Square Step Test (FSST), and the unilateral Step Tests. RESULTS: Forty-two patients completed the program. It was feasible to deliver Aquabalance, as evidenced by the median (IQR) attendance rate of 8.0 (7.8, 8.0) out of 8. No adverse events occurred and participants reported high satisfaction levels. Improvements were noted on the TUG, 10-meter walk test, the Functional Reach Test, the FSST, and the unilateral step tests (p<0.05). The proportion of patients defined as high falls risk reduced from 38% to 21%. The study was limited by its small sample size, single-center nature, and the absence of a control group. CONCLUSIONS: Aquabalance was safe, well-attended, and acceptable to participants. A randomized controlled assessor-blinded trial is required. Article Published Date : Oct 31, 2016
Prev123Next

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.