Article

Current management of osteoarthritis (OA) focuses on pain control and
maintaining physical function through pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and
surgical treatments. Exercise, including therapeutic aquatic exercise (TAE), is
considered one of the most important management options. Nevertheless, there is
no up-to-date systematic review describing the effect of TAE on symptoms and
function associated with lower limb OA. The purpose of this study was to
conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the effect of TAE on
symptoms and function associated with lower limb OA. DATA SOURCES: The data
sources used in this study were: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and
SPORTDiscus. STUDY SELECTION: All studies selected for review were randomized
controlled trials with an aquatic exercise group and a nontreatment control
group. In total, 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in
the synthesis and meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and checked
for accuracy by 3 independent reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean
difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for all
outcomes. The meta-analysis showed a significant TAE effect on pain (SMD=0.26
[95% CI=0.11, 0.41]), self-reported function (SMD=0.30 [95% CI=0.18, 0.43]), and
physical functioning (SMD=0.22 [95% CI=0.07, 0.38]). Additionally, a significant
effect was seen on stiffness (SMD=0.20 [95% CI=0.03, 0.36]) and quality of life
(SMD=0.24 [95% CI=0.04, 0.45]). LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of outcome measures
and small sample sizes for many of the included trials imply that conclusions
based on these results should be made with caution.
CONCLUSIONS: The results
indicate that TAE is effective in managing symptoms associated with lower limb
OA.
CI - (c) 2014 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS