Comparative effects of aquatic recreational and aquatic exercise programs on mobility, pain perception, and treatment satisfaction among elderly persons with osteoarthritis of the knee

The purpose of this researcher was to examine the effects of an aquatic recreation program (ARP) in comparison to an aquatic exercise program (AEP) on the mobility, pain perception, and treatment satisfaction of elderly participants who have osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.;Seventy-two volunteers were randomly assigned to aquatic exercise or aquatic recreational programs and assessed on physical mobility and pain perception related to OA. Both groups received six aquatic sessions, with one receiving exercise and the other receiving recreational activities. Following their participation they were reassessed on mobility and pain perception. In addition, they were asked to complete an evaluation form about their satisfaction with the aquatic program they received.;Findings indicated that the ARP group increased their mobility during their participation in the program. ARP participants also rated the program very positively. Findings also indicated that although significant pretest-posttest differences existed, for the most part, the changes in mobility did not differ significantly from those who participated in the ARP. A trend, however, was found in favor of the ARP on their perceived pain, indicating a possibility that ARP participants may have experienced a greater decline in pain perception than did the AEP participants. The ARP participants evaluated their participation in the program significantly more favorably than AEP participants. This finding indicated that the ARP apparently resulted in higher levels of satisfaction even though it did not result in greater mobility. The major implication of the findings of this study is that an aquatic recreation program, while as effective as an aquatic exercise program in increasing mobility, offers additional benefits by providing participants with a pleasurable activity that affords the opportunity for social interaction.