Clinical Research Directory

This intervention will consist of an aquatic-exercise program, performed in shallow water (120-150 cm deep) at a temperature of 32-34 °C, and supervised by a physiotherapist with over two years of experience in aquatic-based exercise and Ai Chi method. The aquatic-exercise sessions, will consist of a 5-minute warm-up phase, a 30-40-minute training phase, and a 10-15-minute relaxation/cool-down phase, adapted from Ai Chi exercise positions. The Ai Chi method consists of 19 katas (movements) that incorporate deep breathing, coordinated upper and lower limb actions, trunk control, and slow, continuous motion. In this study, only 10 of these 19 katas will be included in the aquatic-exercise protocol.

This program will include specific land-based exercises, supervised by a physiotherapist with more than two years of experience in therapeutic exercise. The land-based exercise program, will be divided into three components: core stability exercises (15-20 minutes), trunk and lower limb stretching exercises (10-15 minutes), and relaxation/coordination exercises adapted from the Ai Chi method (10-15 minutes).

This exercise program will consist of a home-based exercise program. Each session will last 20-30 minutes and will be performed individually at home without professional supervision. The home-based exercise program will include core stability exercises that progress from the supine to the quadruped position. It will mirror the land-based exercise program and is adapted from a previous unsupervised home-based protocol.