Journal de physiothérapie et de réadaptation physique

Impact of Aquatic Therapy on Systemic Inflammation in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Abstract

Nukarisakoma Bilselia*

This study investigates the effects of incorporating aquatic therapy into standard physiotherapy treatment on systemic inflammatory markers in patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with SCI patients assigned to either a standard physiotherapy group or a combined aquatic therapy and physiotherapy group. Systemic inflammation was assessed by measuring levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) before and after an 8-week intervention period. Results indicated that patients receiving combined aquatic therapy and standard physiotherapy experienced significant reductions in CRP and IL-6 levels compared to those receiving only standard physiotherapy. These findings suggest that aquatic therapy may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of traditional physiotherapy, potentially improving overall rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with SCI.