Differential Effects of Aquatic and Land-Based Rehabilitation Programs on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in Women with Knee Osteoporosis

Vollständiger Abstract

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This study aimed to compare the differential effects of aquatic and land‑based rehabilitation programs on functional mobility and quality of life in women with knee osteoporosis. Thirty women aged 45–60 years were randomly assigned to an aquatic training group (n = 15) or a land‑based training group (n = 15). Both groups completed an 8‑week supervised rehabilitation program. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Six‑Minute Walk Test (6MWT), range of motion (ROM), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the WOMAC Index for quality of life. Results showed significant improvements in both groups across all variables; however, the aquatic group demonstrated superior gains in functional mobility, endurance, ROM, pain reduction, and overall quality of life. These enhanced outcomes are attributed to the physical properties of water—such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure—which reduce joint loading and facilitate smoother, pain‑free movement. The study concludes that aquatic rehabilitation is an effective and safe therapeutic option for women with knee osteoporosis and recommends integrating aquatic exercise into rehabilitation programs, with the potential benefit of combining aquatic and land‑based training for optimal outcomes