Exercise in 94 degrees F water for a patient with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case report is to describe the examination, intervention, and outcome of a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included aquatic therapy with a pool temperature of 94 degrees F. There are few descriptions of aquatic exercise programs on muscle force, exercise tolerance, and functional outcomes in individuals with MS, and most authors recommend a water temperature of less than 85 degrees F to prevent an exacerbation of symptoms.


METHODS
The patient was a 33-year-old woman. Before, during, and after the aquatic program, she was monitored for body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion. She was also assessed for muscle force and functional abilities.


RESULTS
The patient did not experience heat sensitivity or fatigue throughout the program, and her manual muscle test grades and mobility improved.


CONCLUSIONS
This patient's participation in aquatic therapy, in conjunction with land-based interventions, may have been associated with the improvement in functional abilities.
Marianjoy RehabLink, 26 W 171 Roosevelt Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189, USA.
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Peterson
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001452:Balneology / Q000379:methods*; D001831:Body Temperature; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013551:Swimming Pools; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome