Effectiveness of aquatic exercise in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Aquatic exercise is potentially beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, so a systematic review of the literature is essential to clarify the role of therapeutic aquatic exercise in the management of RA and OA.

Objectives: To systematically review the available evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Method: A broad search was carried out in 4 databases (Medline, Pubmed, ResearchGate and Embase), in which an initial sample of 14 articles was obtained, from which a final sample of 8 articles was obtained. The selection criteria were that the type of study design was an RCT, that participants had rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis accepting therapeutic aquatic exercise and that publications were in English.

Results: Results showed improvements in both functionality, pain relief and quality of life in people with RA and OA, as well as an increase in muscle strength in subjects with OA.

Conclusions: Aquatic exercise can significantly reduce pain and increase physical function in patients with OA and RA. Further high-quality research on a larger scale is needed to confirm the results.

Keywords: aquatic exercise, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, functionality, pain, quality of life, muscle strength, self-efficacy, aerobic capacity.