An Exploratory Study of Aquatic Walking on Symptoms and Functional Limitations in Persons with Knee Osteoarthritis: Part 1

This paper represents Part 1 of a study that explored the effects an underwater treadmill (UT) walking program on pain and function in adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), numerical rating scale (NRS), timed up-and-go (TUG), 10-m walk were assessed 6 (62.7 ±14.2 years) who participated 8-week (3x/wk) UT intervention based Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease (WWE) program. Walking pace was self-selected, duration each session increased from 10 to 45 minutes throughout study. Knee pre-control (PRC), pre-intervention (PRI) post-intervention (PST). NRS improved PRC PRI PST (p = .03, d .37). WOMAC subscale scores pain, (d .36); stiffness .44); during daily activities .41); total .42) < .05) PST. Self-selected speed concurrently decreased (NRS) results support WWE as model for improving KOA.