Aquatic Therapy

Question 1

True or False:

Patients with chronic pain are good candidates for aquatic therapy.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

What are the physical properties of water?

Answer 2

• Buoyancy
• Surface tension
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Viscosity

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a contraindication to aquatic therapy?

A) History of seizures
B) Fear of water
C) Open wounds
D) Fracture

Answer 3

D) Fractures

Question 4

What is one disadvantage of aquatic therapy?

Answer 4

High cost

Question 5

What are some safety requirements for an aquatic therapy environment?

Answer 5

• Ramps or low steps to enter and exit pool
• Adequate lighting
• Non-slip flooring
• Handrails throughout facility
• Lifting devices

Question 6

How should water rehabilitation programs be designed?

Answer 6

Water rehabilitation programs should be designed so that compensatory motions do not cause problems in other areas

Question 7

What does the higher viscosity of water do?

Answer 7

Higher viscosity of water makes the muscles work harder when compared to the same exercises on land

Question 8

What is viscosity?

Answer 8

Water molecules stick together when you try to move through them

Question 9

What is Archimedes’ principle?

Answer 9

The upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces

Question 10

What are three characteristics that affect buoyancy?

Answer 10

• Body composition
• Bone density
• Air in lungs

Question 11

What is aquatic physical therapy?

Answer 11

the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment

Question 12

What kind of interventions are used in Aquatic PT?

Answer 12

therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy, breathing strategies, electrotherapeutic modalities, physical agents and mechanical modalities using the properties of water and techniques unique to the aquatic environment

Question 13

How long can a physical therapist be in the water for?

Answer 13

four continuous hours per day dependent upon the situation and individual (considering water temperature, water and air chemistry, and personal medical factors)

Question 14

What is the general guidelines of pool temperatures for more active patient and patients with MS?

Answer 14

82-88 degrees

Question 15

What is the general guideline of pool temperatures for less active patients such as those with arthritis or women?

Answer 15

88-92 degrees

Question 16

What is the general guideline of pool temperatures for less active patients with hypertonicity/spasticity issues?

Answer 16

92-96 degrees

Question 17

What is buoyancy?

Answer 17

Upward force generated by the volume of water displaced.

Question 18

What are some benefits of aquatic therapy?

Answer 18

• increased circulation
• increased blood supply in muscles
• muscle relaxation
• Promotes inhibition of spastic muscles by decreasing gamma fiber activity
• Prepares connective tissues for stretching
• Improves flexibility as muscles are able to work through a greater ROM when supported by water

Question 19

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 19

-the force exerted on the immersed body by fluid molecules

Question 20

When the body is emerged 60 inches deep, how much is weight bearing on the lower extremities reduced?

Answer 20

-by 88% to 95%

Question 21

What are the effects of hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 21

• displaces venous blood proximally
• increases cardiac volume
• increases stroke volume and cardiac output

Question 22

What can aquatic physical therapy can improve or maintain?

Answer 22

function
aerobic capacity/endurance condition
balance, coordination and agility
body mechanics and postural stabilization
flexibility
gait and locomotion
relaxation
muscle strength, power, and endurance