Introduction: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are the third most common cause of death and are the main cause of permanent disability in the western world, where they also rank first as regards the loss of years of disability-adapted independent life. Ischaemic CVAs tend to present irreversible sequelae, which reduces the patient's quality of life.
Aim: To analyse the effect of a series of exercises carried out in water on the quality of life of patients who have had an ischaemic CVA.
Subjects and methods: Two groups were studied: an experimental group made up of 15 subjects aged 50.3 +/- 9.1 years, and a control group consisting of 13 subjects aged 52.5 +/- 7.7 years. The experimental group followed a 12-week programme of aquatic physical exercises. The two groups were evaluated in a pre- and post-treatment and then results from both groups were compared. Data were collected by administering a generic health-related quality of life survey (SF-36).
Results: Significant differences were found between the pre- and post-treatment in the experimental group. In the between-groups evaluation, significant differences were recorded with regard to functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general state of health, vitality, social aspects and mental health.
Conclusions: Doing physical exercises in water tends to improve motor behaviour, with a greater degree of independence, significant improvements in functional capacity and other aspects linked to physical aptitude. As a result, the level of quality of life of individuals affected by ischaemic CVA is enhanced.