Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients are often referred to aquatic physical therapy, but unfortunately, researches on the effects of aquatic therapy in MS patients are limited.
OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, strength and fatigue in ambulatory patients with MS.
METHODS: Twenty-three ambulatory female patients were divided into two groups as experimental (n = 15) or control (n = 8) for 8-week treatment program. The experimental group underwent Ai-Chi exercises in a swimming pool and the control group performed active arm and leg exercises combined with abdominal breathing exercises at home. Static standing balance was measured with duration of one-leg stance, functional mobility was evaluated with Timed-up and Go test and 6 minute walk test, upper and lower muscle strength was assessed with hand-held dynamometer and fatigue was evaluated with Fatigue Severity Scale.
RESULTS:Improvements were observed in static standing balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in the Ai-Chi group (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in any outcome measures were observed in the control group (p > 0.05) after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings Ai-Chi may improve balance, functional mobility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue in patients with MS.
Ai Chi is a water movement and relaxation program that has been created to help aquatic practitioners and people enjoy the water in a flowing yet powerful progression. It is an efficient exercise program that increases oxygen and caloric consumption simply with correct form and positioning in the water, it is a perfect relaxation technique for highly stressed, over-challenged clients, and it is ideal for creating improved range of motion, balance and mobility. Ai Chi, created by combining Tai-Chi concepts with Shiatsu and QiGong techniques, is performed standing in shoulder depth water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. It is an aquatic technique that can be used with groups or one-on-one. Ai Chi has been successfully used with pain management, arthritis, fibromyalgia, COPD, diabetes, MS, amputee, paraplegic, etc. and with neurological and orthopedic diagnoses and balance deficits.
Exercise is good for you even if it is water