Is hydrokinesitherapy effective on gait and balance in patients with stroke? A clinical and baropodometric investigation

Background: Patients with stroke present an asymmetric posture, severe balance dysfunction with delayed and disrupted equilibrium reactions, exaggerated postural sway and abnormal gait with an increased risk of falling. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydrokinesytherapy on stance, balance and gait in individuals after stroke. Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, patients with stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental one (G1), performing hydrokinesytherapy (3 times/week) in addition to a conventional physical therapy (3 times/week) and a control one (G2), performing only a conventional physical therapy (6 times/week). All of the participants underwent a proper clinical and baropodometric evaluation before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The two groups presented similar clinical and instrumental features at enrolment (mean modified Rankin Scale of 3, and a disease duration of 6.3 +/- 1.4 months). After treatment, the patients undergoing hydrokinesytherapy showed a significantly greater improvement than those undergoing traditional training. Conclusions: Hydrokinesytherapy may be considered a promising treatment in improving gait and balance in individuals following stroke.