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Aquatic Therapy
Term | Definition |
---|---|
specific density | the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of an equal volume of water |
specific density of water | 1 |
older adults float better | decrease in bone density and musc mass w/ age |
buoyancy | an upward thrust opposite the direction of gravity |
Archimedes Principle | when an object is immersed in water, it experiences an upward thrust equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. |
assistance of buoyancy | when a movement is in the same direction as the force of bouyancy |
support of buoyancy | when a movement is perpendicular to the force of bouyancy |
resistance of buoyancy | when a movement opposes the force of buoyancy |
factors affecting flotation ability | musc/bone density to fat ratio; fear of water; trunk alignment in supine- optimal position when center of gravity is over center of buoyancy; hypertonicity- increases relative density of the limbs & changes center of gravity; hypotonicity. |
factors affecting flotation ability part 2 | proprioception- don't know where own cog is; amputation; less air in lungs decrs floatation. |
streamline | a cont flow of water in one direction in which all the molecules are traveling parallel to one another; resistance to movement is directly proportional to the velocity of movement; form of assistance |
turbulence | irreg movement of the fluid varying at any fixed point; form of resistance |
wake | the negative pressure behind a moving object; form of assistance |
drag | the tendency of a body to pulled in the opp direction of movement; a form of resistance |
fluid dynamics (clinical implications) | increased speed, increased drag causes increased work |
hydrostatic pressure | the pressure of the molecules of a fluid thrust upon each part of the SA of an immersed object |
Pascal's Law | fluid pressure is exerted equally on all SA's of an immersed body at rest a t a given depth; pressure increases w/ depth & density of the fluid |
hydrostatic pressure (clin implications) | decreases LE swelling & lymphedema; helps stabilize unstable joints; assists w/ expiration & resists inspiration; |
benefits of an aquatic environment | weight relief; support & ease of movement; easy pt handling; body warmth; motivation w/ ex groups; |
indications for aquatic intervention | decreased ROM; pain w/ movement; balance, proprioceptive, &/or coordination deficits; decreased strength; cv compromise or deconditioned; weight-bearing restriction; peripheral edema; gait deviations; motor learning deficits (incr's proprioception); |
who would benefit from aquatic therapy? | fibromyalgia; RA; OA; chronic pain; neuro conditions; bal deficits; orthopedic pt's; obesity |
precautions | well-controlled seizure disorder; recently healed surg incision; postural hypotension; significant vestib disorder; respiratory dysfxn; colostomy; neurological disorders (trouble tolerating high temps); fear of water; cardiac dysfxn; small wounds & lines |
contraindications | fever >100 degrees F; untreated infectious dz; surg incision w/ sutures or staples; open wound; incipient HF; uncontrolled seizure disorder; uncontrolled BP or PVD; uncontrolled bowel or bladder |
therapeutic effects (not previously mentioned) | maintain or incr joint ROM; incr;d flexibility; reduced musc spasms; musc re-education; assists w/ gait training & fxn'l activities; improved respiratory fxn; improved CV efficiency; incr endurance; increase venous return |
physiological effects of warm water | ideal water temp: 86-96; ideal air temp: 90; increases periph dilation & bld flow to muscs; increases metabolic rate; increases connective tissue elasticity; decreases musc tone; decreases sensitivity of free nerve endings |
documentation of aquatic therapy | amt of time; pt's response to tx in pool vs. land; equipment used; water depth; progress toward land-based goals; why/; relationship to fxn on land |