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S.G.N. Shimano1, N. Miguel Lopes Oliveira1, M.P.P. da Rocha2, C.C.L. Oliveira3, D. Braga4, M.M.e Marques5
1Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Applied Physiotherapy, Uberaba, Brazil, 2Federal University of Minas Gerais, Physiotherapy, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 3Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Applied Physiotherapy, Uberaba, Brazil, 4AACD - Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente, Aquatic Physiotherapy, São Paulo, Brazil, 5Mário Gatti Hospital, Physiotherapy, Campinas, Brazil
Background: Visual impairment (VI) is a term used to refer to vision loss that cannot be repaired with correction lenses. People with need early and global stimulation, in order to interrupt a process of social isolation caused by structural, economic and physical limitations, in order to maintain their functional capacities. Hydrotherapy is a safe alternative for this stimulation. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the benefits of this method in this population.
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of hydrotherapy on musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory capacities and on the quality of life index in a visually impaired person.
Methods: single case intervention study. It was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Brazil (number 1,965/2011). The sample consisted of an individual with acquired visual impairment, 20 years of involvement , 50 years of age, with no neuromusculoskeletal impairments . To assess physical and functional abilities, we used: 1- handgrip dynamometry to assess grip muscle strength, 2- test of eight maximum repetitions for lower limb strength, 3- sit and reach test for flexibility of the posterior muscle chain, 4- Short Physical Performance Battery gait speed test for functionality, 5-spirometry for inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and 6- WHOQoL-Bref questionnaire for quality of life. For the intervention, 24 sessions were applied twice a week, lasting 50 minutes each, with intervals of at least 48 hours. The hydrotherapy session consisted of 10 minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes of strengthening, stretching and cardiorespiratory conditioning and 10 minutes of relaxation. For all exercises, verbal and tactile commands were created so that there was learning by the volunteer and the exercises were carried out actively.
Results: There was an increase of 5.2% in the grip muscle strength and 30% in the lower limbs. The flexibility improvement was 100%. Physical improvement reflected an improvement of 25 milsec in the walking speed test. The inspiratory muscle strength obtained animprovement of 57.1% and an expiratory improvement of 20%, reflecting a 22% improvement in maximum voluntary ventilation. The improvement in total quality of life was 5.7%.
Conclusion(s): Hydrotherapy adapted for people with visual impairment is effective in promoting physical and functional improvement and quality of life.
Implications: These results prove that there is a safe, playful and effective therapeutic intervention option for people with visual impairments. These improvement not only prevent injuries, but also change lifestyle and increase the chances of inclusion.
Funding, acknowledgements: We thank the Agency of Induction and Promotion of Research and Scientific and Technological Innovation for the scholarship
Keywords: Hydrotherapy, Aquatic Exercises, blind
Topic: Disability & rehabilitation
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Brazil
Committee: Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Brazil
Ethics number: number 1,965/2011
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
