Effectiveness of gait training in water for patients with Parkinson’s Disease: systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hydrotherapy is increasingly used in the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative disease, being aimed at improving functionality and reduce falls. Allows safe walking, promotes relaxation and reduces fear of falling. There is a requirement to analyze the methodological quality of existing studies in this context. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the knowledge about the effectiveness of water walking training for people with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This is a systematic review. We searched the Pubmed and Lilacs database from March 2017 to May 2018 without filters. We included randomized clinical trials that verified the effects of a water gait training protocol for patients with Parkinson's disease. We excluded studies that performed water training, but not specifically gait. A Cochrane Collaboration tool was utilized to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were found in the search, three of these were included. There was different from those between the articles regarding outcomes, in relation to the increase in walking speed. The methodological quality analysis showed randomization and blindness failure in the methodology of the studies. CONCLUSION: It was evidenced that gait training in water has a positive effect on gait velocity and the mobility of these individuals. For a positive clinical outcome in walking, exercises for mobility and balance should be associated. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary for follow the guidelines and have satisfactory methodological quality.