Mrs Karen Benson1, Ms Ana Masara1, Mr Adrian Benson1, Dr Louise Greenstock2
1St. John Of God Hospital Warrnambool, Warrnambool, Australia, 2Western Alliance, Warrnambool, Australia
Background
Hydrotherapy is a well-known form of specialised physiotherapy treatment. St. John of God Hospital Warrnambool provides group hydrotherapy for treatment of chronic health conditions. Patients attending hydrotherapy attend three monthly re-assessment sessions to ensure safety and relevance of aquatic treatment. The closure of hydrotherapy pools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic response created an opportunity to measure the effect of removing aquatic therapy.
Method
Ethics obtained (ref #1691). An evaluation of hydrotherapy files revealed patient demographics, and choice of outcome measures. A convenience sample of 100 patients returning to hydrotherapy after 9 month Covid-19 closure was then taken. Repeat outcome measures were performed.
Results
Observational statistics were used to compare pre-covid closure outcome measures to post covid-19 measures. The majority of conditions were lower limb and back pain related, and demonstrated a 62% decrease in 6minute walk test, a 54% decrease in 30second sit to stand, and a 50% increase in ostwestry disability index.
Comment
This is part A in a longitudinal study. Part B will assess both the physical, functional and quality of life effects of group hydrotherapy over 1 year, and is in the phase of data collection.
Conclusion
Ceasing maintenance group hydrotherapy for nine months was associated with physical deconditioning.
Biography:
Karen is a senior clinician physiotherapist with an interest in clinical research, and a passion for regional allied health excellence.
Karen graduated from The University of Melbourne with a bachelor of Physiotherapy (hons), holds a post graduate certificate in pelvic-floor physiotherapy and is currently studying a masters of pelvic health.