Hidrotherapy

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of daily life activities of patients suffering from sequels of strokes who were submitted to hydrotherapy, conventional kinesiotherapy and those with no physiotherapeutic intervention. Method. A total of 152 patients of both genders were selected according to their arrival in the service and were submitted to hydrotherapy in isolation or together with classical kinesiotherapy, over six months. The 45-minute hydrotherapy and classical kinesiotherapy sessions were performed at least three times weekly. Functional activity was evaluated every three months to identify: the dependence, semi-dependence or independence on routine activities. Analysis of the functional activity was assessed by means of the Barthel index. Results. Of the 152 patients, 118 satisfied inclusion criteria. The participants were divided into three groups: 72 (61%) underwent conventional kinesiotherapy, 32 (27.1%) hydrotherapy followed by conventional kinesiotherapy and 14 (11.9%) had no physiotherapeutic interventions. The conventional kinesiotherapy with hydrotherapy group improved in relation to both the degree of independence and lighter motor sequels (p=0.001). The neurological deficit remained greater in the non-treatment group than in the others (p=0.01). Conclusion. The hydrotherapy may be considered a good coadjuvant procedure for patients with sequels due to stroke.