Scientific Studies Support Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Press Release
Scientific Studies Support Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
HydroWorx 2000 Pool Used in University of Idaho Research
Middletown, PA-The University of Idaho has released the results of four studies comparing various responses when exercising on an aquatic treadmill versus a traditional land-based treadmill. The HydroWorx 2000 pool was used in the 2007 studies. The HydroWorx 2000’s unique design includes a barrier free modular pool whose floor, which doubles as an underwater treadmill, can be elevated to meet athletes and patients at floor level then be submersed to depths of up to six feet.
Previous studies on aquatic therapy have shown mixed results, but the overarching evidence had been that aquatic exercise produced reduced cardio respiratory results and a lack of training specificity.
However, under the expert direction of W. Matthew Silvers and Dennis Dolny of the University of Idaho, the most recent results of aquatic exercise are promising. In the first study it was found that the HydroWorx pool can create a metabolic and cardiovascular environment as stressful as traditional land-based treadmills but with reduced joint stress – a hallmark feature of aquatic therapy.
In follow-up studies, positive results were also verified with factors such as maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, blood lactate, leg stride rate and length, and perception of effort. Each study confirmed the effectiveness and equivalent responses with aquatic therapy versus land-based treadmills.
To injured athletes, or those suffering from over use, these studies support what medical trainers and physicians across the globe have known with their use of HydroWorx products. In addition to the superior exercise benefits, the concern of training specificity is alleviated as well with the underwater video cameras, just one of the unique offerings of a HydroWorx pool.
Professor of Exercise Physiology, Dennis Dolny comments after the conclusion of the University of Idaho studies, “We now have evidence that individuals can use HydroWorx as cross-training to supplement their normal regimen and not only experience less joint stress but also can match their maximal metabolic output they would experience on land. The potential to enhance the training experience is exciting!”
For more specific information, data and statistics on the University of Idaho studies, visit the HydroWorx Rapid Recovery Center webpage.
About HydroWorx: HydroWorx specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing the world’s finest water therapy and conditioning equipment for the sports, healthcare, eldercare, and fitness markets. The company leads the industry in scientific research and data supporting the therapeutic and rehabilitative properties of water therapy. HydroWorx has sold products in 50 states and nine countries. Among its extensive and elite client list are: Dr. James Andrews, renowned orthopedic surgeon; the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, the U.S. Navy Seals, NASA, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Manchester United, Nike, the NHL champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the NCAA men’s basketball national champion Duke University, Notre Dame, and Appalachian State.
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