Effects of an intensive thalassotherapy and aquatic therapy program in stroke patients. A pilot study

Introduction. Stroke remains the leading cause of acquired disability. Health and social planning and management may vary and although prevention is crucial, having better treatments and strategies to reduce disability is needed. Aim. To determine the effect of an intensive program of thalassotherapy and aquatic therapy in stroke patients, valuing clinical parameters and functional validated scales. Patients and methods. A quasi-experimental prospective study consisting of a specific program assessed pre- and post-3 weeks treatment to 26 stroke patients with a mild-moderate disability. The outcomes measured were: Berg Balance scale, Timed Up & Go test, 10-meter walking test, 6-minute walking test and pain Visual Analogue Scale. Results. After intervention, participants had a significant improvement in all outcomes measured. Conclusions. Our results suggest that an intensive program of thalassotherapy and aquatic therapy could be useful during stroke rehabilitation to improve balance, gait and pain.