The impact of hydro therapy to improve functional status following spinal cord injury: narrative review

Background: Studies involving aquatic therapy have assessed individuals with long-term illnesses like multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, persistent pain, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury (SCI). Aquatic treatment has been shown to enhance strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination in adult patients with neurological deficits found significant gains in lower extremity strength, balance, and ambulation in patients with spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord that results in either temporary or permanent alterations to its function is referred to as spinal cord injury (SCI). Although SCI are less frequent than many other types of accidents, they can have disastrous physical and psychological effects. After SCI, very few people fully restore neurologic function. Deficits resulting in tetraplegia and neurological completeness are caused by a notable percentage of SCIs. Nearly 90% of all spinal cord injuries are traumatic, and they are frequently the result of violent crimes, falls, sports injuries, and auto accidents. The patient's life may be severely impacted by them. Lesions in the cervical region cause quadriplegia, whereas injury to the lower thorax causes paraplegia. Acute SCI commonly occurs due to sudden trauma to the spine and results in fractures and vertebrae dislocation. The initial stage immediately after the injury is known as primary injury with features of bone fragments and spinal ligament tearing. SCI is accomplished in two phases: the first phase includes the destruction of neural parenchyma, disruption of axonal network, haemorrhage and disruption of glial membrane. Aim: To understand the impact of hydrotherapy to improve functional status following SCI. Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive review of exisiting literature to analyze the documented impact of hydrotherapy on functional status in individuals with spinal cord injury. Methodology: The influence of hydrotherapy to enhance functional status following SCI was the subject of a case study and a comprehensive review that were completed. RESULT: Data from the selected studies were extracted under the headings of title /author, type of study design, intervention /device /technique elaborated in the study, and key highlights of the study and was tabulated systematically. Conclusion: Physiotherapy management increases functional status in SCI