Patient reported benefits of hydrotherapy for arthritis

Abstract

The evidence for the effectiveness of hydrotherapy as an intervention for arthritis sufferers is varied. It has been suggested that the outcome measures used in previous studies may not measure the outcomes that patients consider important. A qualitative study was undertaken to identify patients’ perceived benefits. Fifteen people with arthritis, recruited from Auckland hydrotherapy services, participated in either a focus group or an individual interview in which they discussed their perceived benefits of hydrotherapy. Following the focus group interviews three key themes emerged: Opportunities to exercise, physical benefits and psychological benefits. This study identified themes that present outcome measures may not be capturing. Therefore, it is suggested that a new outcome measure be developed from the themes identified in this study.