| The purpose of this single subject study was to quantify the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in changing pain, function, lumbar range of motion, trunk endurance, and quality of life in a subject with chronic low back pain. The subject performed a home exercise program (HEP) for 2.5 weeks (Phase AI), then aquatic therapy and the HEP for 3.5 weeks (Phase B), and then the HEP only for 1.5 weeks (Phase AII). Two Standard Deviation Band Method was conducted to analyze data for pain, lumbar range of motion and trunk endurance. Function and quality of life data were analyzed visually. Results showed a significant difference between Phase AI and Phase B in pain, forward bending and trunk endurance. A significant difference was found between Phase B and Phase AII in extension endurance only. Function and quality of life improved through the course of the study. These findings support aquatic therapy as an effective form of treatment for this subject. |
