A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has found exercising in water eases the pain of osteoarthritis. High intensity interval training in water can help people with arthritis to manage their condition.
“Having osteoarthritis patients walking against a systematically high and low resistance in water resulted in significant reduction in pain, improved mobility, balance and function,” said Dr Bressel, a professor and clinical research scientist at Utah State University who led the study. “This same kind of high intensity interval training on land would be unfathomable because of the load-bearing pain,” he added.
Participants completed a four –week, non-exercise control period, followed by a six week aquatic exercise program. Joint pain, balance, function and mobility were tested before and after exercises and on exercise conditions.
After a six week program of exercise, participants displayed reduced joint pain and improved balance, function and mobility.
No other land-based training has been able to successfully implement high-intensity aerobic workouts for patients with osteoarthritis; the aquatic environment not only reduces the fear of falls but also lowers joint loads and provides three-dimensional support to help maintain balance.
Endless Spas have a great range of swim spas that can help ease the pain of arthritis. Visit our Lynbrook Showroom or call today (03) 8769 7300
