Adegoke (2014) Variation in percentage weight bearing with changes in standing posture during water immersion: implication for clinical practice
Summary: Impact of Standing Postures on Weight Bearing During Water Immersion
Overview
The study by Adegoke et al. investigates how different standing postures affect weight bearing in water. This research is crucial for optimizing aquatic therapy, especially for rehabilitation purposes.
Methodology
The study involved 193 healthy university students. Their weight was measured on land and in water. Four standing postures were analyzed: Erect Standing (ES), Grasp-Inclined-Prone-Standing (GIPS), Half-Grasp-Inclined-Towards-Side Standing (HGITSS), and Inclined-Standing with Head Support (ISHS). Percentage Weight Bearing (PWB) was calculated for each posture to understand weightlessness levels.
Results
The PWB varied significantly among these postures. ES showed the highest PWB, indicating less weightlessness. Conversely, ISHS showed the lowest PWB. These findings suggest that posture significantly impacts weight bearing in water.
Discussion
The study disproves the assumption that posture does not affect PWB. Erect standing bears more weight than other postures. This knowledge helps tailor aquatic therapy for specific rehabilitation goals. The study highlights the importance of posture in axial load distribution on weight-bearing joints during aquatic therapy.
Implications and Conclusion
The findings are vital for clinical and sports medicine professionals. They can now optimize aquatic therapy programs for specific rehabilitation needs. The study encourages further exploration into this area to enhance aquatic therapy effectiveness. However, it notes limitations due to the sensitivity of the measuring equipment used.
Keyphrase: Impact of Standing Postures on Weight Bearing in Water
Important Keywords: Water Immersion, Weight Bearing, Standing Postures, Aquatic Therapy, Erect Standing, Grasp-Inclined-Prone-Standing, Half-Grasp-Inclined-Towards-Side Standing, Inclined-Standing with Head Support, Percentage Weight Bearing, Axial Loading.
