순환식 수중운동프로그램이 뇌졸중 환자의 보행 및 폐기능에 미치는 영향

Effects of Circuit Aquatic Exercise on the Gait Abilities and Pulmonary Functions of Patients with Stroke

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit aquatic exercise on the gait abilities and pulmonary functions of patients with stroke. Methods: The participants were randomly divided into the circuit aquatic exercise group (n=6) and control group (n=4). The circuit aquatic exercise group underwent a circuit aquatic exercise program for 30 min, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Participants were assessed for gait abilities and pulmonary functions before and after the intervention. Results: All outcome measures significantly improved after the intervention (p<.05). Moreover, the circuit aquatic exercise group exhibited significant differences in all areas, except for the forced vital capacity measure in the between-group comparison with the control group (p<.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that circuit aquatic exercise may be an effective strategy to improve the gait abilities and pulmonary functions of patients with stroke.