Dynamic water exercise in individuals with late poliomyelitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the specific effects of general dynamic water exercise in individuals with late effects of poliomyelitis.


METHODS
Before-after tests.


METHODS
A university hospital department.


METHODS
Twenty-eight individuals with late effects of polio, 15 assigned to the training group (TG) and 13 to the control group (CG).


METHODS
The TG completed a 40-minute general fitness training session in warm water twice weekly. Assessment instruments included the bicycle ergometer test, isokinetic muscle strength, a 30-meter walk indoors, Berg balance scale, a pain drawing, a visual analog scale, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).


METHODS
Peak load, peak work load, peak oxygen uptake, peak heart rate (HR), muscle function in knee extensors and flexors, and pain dimension of the NHP.


RESULTS
The average training period was 5 months; compliance was 75% (range, 55-98). No negative effects were seen. The exercise did not influence the peak work load, peak oxygen uptake, or muscle function in knee extensors compared with the controls. However, a decreased HR at the same individual work load was seen, as well as a significantly lower distress in the dimension pain of the NHP. Qualitative aspects such as increased well-being, pain relief, and increased physical fitness were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
A program of nonswimming dynamic exercises in heated water has a positive impact on individuals with late effects of polio, with a decreased HR at exercise, less pain, and a subjective positive experience. The program was well tolerated (no adverse effects were reported) and can be recommended for this group of individuals.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. carin.willen@fhs.gu.se
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Willén
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Sunnerhagen
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Grimby
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology