Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from earliest record to May 2013. STUDY SELECTION: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating aquatic exercise for adults with musculoskeletal conditions compared with no exercise or land-based exercise. Outcomes of interest were pain, physical function, and quality of life. The electronic search identified 1199 potential studies. Of these, 1136 studies were ex..