Effectiveness of Aquatic Dual-Task Training on Balance Recovery in Individuals with Stroke: A Review

Abstract

Background: One of the most common complaints following a stroke is loss of balance, which affects around half of all stroke patients. Nevertheless, there is no general physiotherapy method that proved to be more effective in improving post-stroke balance. This study aimed to investigate literature regarding the use of aquatic dual-task exercises for improving balance ability post-stroke.

Methods: A literature search was performed with the help of Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases to select the studies related to aquatic dual-task training on balance improvement in stroke patients. The inclusion criteria were full-text published articles in English, studies that included patients above the age of 18 years with diagnosed stroke, which investigated any form of aquatic exercise therapy with a dual-task aimed at improving post-stroke balance control while comparing pre-intervention and post-intervention outcome measures.

Results: With the help of given keywords, 573 articles were found initially. After excluding articles for various reasons, three articles were finally included in the review.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that aquatic dual-task training has a positive impact on the balance improvement of stroke patients.