Abstract

In an attempt to investigate the effect of long-term aquatic exercise program on lower limbs' muscle strength, knee Joint flexion, pain reduction and weight changes with aquatic exercise program. Forty three women with arthritis were pre and post tested for changes of muscle strength, range of motion, weight and pain. This data was collected from April 1, 1997 to February 24, 1998. The mean age was 52.5. Statistically significant in lower limbs' muscle strength with an aquatic exercise program by age, BMI, education, rheumatic drug use, illness duration until 12 weeks after experiment. Statistically significant in knee joint flexion with aquatic exercise program by age, BMI, education, rheumatic drug use, illness duration until 12 weeks after experiment. Statistically significant in pain reduction with aquatic exercise program by age, BMI, education, rheumatic drug use, illness duration until 12 weeks after experiment. Statistically significant in weight changes with aquatic exercise program by age, BMI, education, rheumatic drug use, illness duration until 6 weeks after experiment. As a conclusion, aquatic exercise programs for the patients with arthritis require at least 12 weeks and a variety of aquatic exercise programs for the effective control should be developed.

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