Hydrotherapy

Question 1

Beneficial features of aquatic environment

Answer 1

• Buoyancy: reduces load and WB
• Resistance: creates resistance for muscle strengthening
• Hydrostatic pressure: compression assisting with lower limb oedema
  All these + warmth help with pain relief

Question 2

Strengthening progress in water

Answer 2

Direction of movement 
1. Buoyancy assisted
2. Buoyancy eliminated
3. Buoyancy resisted
4. Against buoyancy + floats
Turbulence
- Speed of movement
- Surface area

Question 3

Cardiovascular effects of immersion

Answer 3

When HOW; hydrostatic pressure compresses superficial veins of lower body shifting the blood to the thorax and heart. Increases heart size, stroke volume and cardiac output.

Question 4

Renal effects of immersion

Answer 4

Stimulates renal blood flow decreasing renal sympathetic activity and renal vascular pressure. Increases urine output, sodium and potassium excretion.

Question 5

Pain effects of immersion

Answer 5

• Heat reduces muscle spasm and increases collagen extensibility
• Buoyancy/reduced gravity reduces forces on joints and movement is easier
• Hydrostatic pressure reduces oedema

Question 6

Respiratory effects of immersion

Answer 6

Hydrostatic pressure compresses the chest wall increasing vital capacity and circulation in the chest cavity