The impact of water-based activity on maintaining psychophysical well-being
1
1 Medical Board of Directors, ULSS 6 Euganea, Hospital of Cittadella, Cittadella, Italy
2
2 Occupational Medicine Medical Director, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
3
3 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
4
4 Health Profession Service, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
5
5 Sports and Exercise Medicine Unity, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Rehabilitation is a critical phase in the care pathway of patients suffering from diseases that cause psychomotor functional deficits. Its aim is to maintain the highest level possible of autonomy. The hospital of cittadella, an acute care and post acute hospital with approximately 350 beds, offers the opportunity to perform physical activity with the aid of water for patients who have experienced post-acute rehabilitation outcomes, as well as for healthcare workers.
METHODS:
The possibility of performing physical activity using water-based therapy has proven to be very useful for people with even stabilized outcomes of neurological and orthopedic conditions, helping them maintain the skills acquired over time. Specifically, water-based activity is beneficial for patients affected by: spinal cord injury, stroke, polio, outcomes of orthopedic surgery, including prosthesis to limbs or spine, lumbosacral radiculopathy, and trauma.
RESULTS:
The pool of the hospital of cittadella is the chosen location for the 45 minute sessions. Currently, there are 7 sessions held over 3 days a week. Exercises are performed with direct assistance from a therapist and volunteers and adapted based on the patient's type of disability and degree of ability. Volunteers were recruited by a non-profit stakeholder organization. There are currently 40 patients per week. Among the effects of water rehabilitation, the following are highlighted: myorelaxant and analgesic effects, improved pulmonary ventilation, coordination, joint mobility, balance, and fall prevention. After the sessions with patients, the swimming pool and other gyms can be used by physical therapists. This activity is included among the well-being projects promoted by the hospital.
CONCLUSIONS:
Water-based physical activity has proven to promote the maintenance of residual abilities in post-rehabilitation patients, with subsequent psychophysical benefits. This project represents an example of cooperation and partecipation between public healthcare services and stakeholder with clear benefits for the population.
Rehabilitation is a critical phase in the care pathway of patients suffering from diseases that cause psychomotor functional deficits. Its aim is to maintain the highest level possible of autonomy. The hospital of cittadella, an acute care and post acute hospital with approximately 350 beds, offers the opportunity to perform physical activity with the aid of water for patients who have experienced post-acute rehabilitation outcomes, as well as for healthcare workers.
METHODS:
The possibility of performing physical activity using water-based therapy has proven to be very useful for people with even stabilized outcomes of neurological and orthopedic conditions, helping them maintain the skills acquired over time. Specifically, water-based activity is beneficial for patients affected by: spinal cord injury, stroke, polio, outcomes of orthopedic surgery, including prosthesis to limbs or spine, lumbosacral radiculopathy, and trauma.
RESULTS:
The pool of the hospital of cittadella is the chosen location for the 45 minute sessions. Currently, there are 7 sessions held over 3 days a week. Exercises are performed with direct assistance from a therapist and volunteers and adapted based on the patient's type of disability and degree of ability. Volunteers were recruited by a non-profit stakeholder organization. There are currently 40 patients per week. Among the effects of water rehabilitation, the following are highlighted: myorelaxant and analgesic effects, improved pulmonary ventilation, coordination, joint mobility, balance, and fall prevention. After the sessions with patients, the swimming pool and other gyms can be used by physical therapists. This activity is included among the well-being projects promoted by the hospital.
CONCLUSIONS:
Water-based physical activity has proven to promote the maintenance of residual abilities in post-rehabilitation patients, with subsequent psychophysical benefits. This project represents an example of cooperation and partecipation between public healthcare services and stakeholder with clear benefits for the population.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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