
Aquatic Therapy for Persons with Neuromuscular Diseases – A Scoping Review
Author(s) -
Anna Ogonowska-Słodownik,
Ana Angélica Ribeiro de Lima,
Luciana Cordeiro,
Natalia MorgulecAdamowicz,
Marrsquo;ıa Alonso-Fraile,
Javier GüeitaRodríguez
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of neuromuscular diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.366
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 2214-3602
pISSN - 2214-3599
DOI - 10.3233/jnd-210749
Subject(s) - cinahl , medline , scopus , medicine , modalities , web of science , psychological intervention , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , meta analysis , pathology , psychiatry , social science , sociology , political science , law
Background: Aquatic exercise is among the most common physical activity modalities performed by people with disabilities. Objective: The present paper reviews currently-available research on aquatic therapy (AT) for persons with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Methods: A scoping review of the existing literature was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTdiscus, CINAHL and Lilacs from the earliest date available until October 2020. It follows the methodological framework for conducting a scoping review proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: A total of 28 articles were analyzed and the study parameters grouped by the topography of NMD; most of the studies (n = 16) addressed myopathies. A considerable increase in the number of studies was found over time, and heterogeneity was identified across and within AT interventions for persons with NMD; hence, to allow more effective interpretation of study results, there is a need to standardize the fundamental parameters and procedures for AT. Conclusions: This scoping review provides a comprehensive outline of available literature; the findings could serve as a starting point for clinical studies on the effects of AT on persons with NMD, and encourage a more coherent approach to their design.