The Effect of Combined Aquatic Exercise on Body Composition, Muscular Function, Static Balance and Visual Analogue Scale in Female Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-week combined aquatic exercise on body composition, muscular function, static balance and visual analogue scale in female elderly with knee osteoar-thritis (OA). METHODS A 66-year old female OA patient participated in this case study. The subject were participated in 12-week aquatic exercise based on flexibility, balance, strengthening, aerobic, coordination, muscle endurance. The aquatic exercise performed three times a week, 60 minutes per session for 12 weeks. Pre and post 12 weeks of combined aquatic exercise program participation, body composition, muscular function, static balance, visual analogue scale, were measured using appropriate tools and methods. RESULTS After the 12-week combined aquatic exercise program, fat free mass increased 0.8kg and fat mass decreased 1.1kg, weight decreased 0.3kg, BMI decreased 0.1kg/m2, waist circumference decreased 2.2cm. Mus-cular function of isokinetic strength of leg muscle in flexion and extension of knee joint improved and the gap between two muscles lessened. Static balance of center of gravity improved and recovered in normal range. Visual analogue scale of VAS, knee score, function score and WOMAC index improved and reduced the pain. CONCLUSIONS The 12-week combined aquatic exercise program effected on the body composition, muscular function, static balance and visual analogue scale.