Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Aquatic Therapy Effects Over Time on Perceived Pain Levels of Individuals with Osteoarthritis

Authors

Shari Leigh Zelman, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Shari Leigh Zelman. 1998. Aquatic Therapy Effects Over Time on Perceived Pain Levels of Individuals with Osteoarthritis. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (151)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/151.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effects over time on perceived pain levels of individuals with osteoarthritis who participate in aquatic therapy, and to investigate whether an aquatic program can change perceptions of how osteoarthritic pain interferes in daily life.

Participants: 8/18 subjects completed and returned both pain questionnaires. 9/25 controls completed and returned both pain questionnaires.

Methodology: The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was given to participants, and four weeks later it was given to them again. The BPI was used to measure pain intensity, interference of pain with the participant's life, pain relief, pain quality, and perceptions of the cause of pain. Questions regarding demographic characteristics were added to the BPI. Data analysis included calculating composite index scores, a repeated measure ANOVA, and a paired-sample t-test.

Results: After the four weeks time, controls' pain levels had not changed, and subjects' pain levels had decreased but were not statistically significant. After the four weeks time, subjects' pain interference scores had significantly decreased. Controls' pain interference scores had increased over the four weeks but were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Individuals with osteoarthritis who participate in an aquatic therapy program have better perceptions of how pain interferes with their daily life.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy