SWIMMING: SPORT AND BENEFIT IN OSTEOARTHRITIS

Ruiz-Cárdenas V.A.; Vera-Ponce V.; Barrio-Healey S.; Vela-Ruiz J.M. · Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Humana (2025) · DOI: 10.25176/rfmh.v25i2.5540

Resumen

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the progressive loss of articular cartilage, with pain and joint stiffness as its main symptoms. Among the proposed alternative therapeutic options, swimming has been suggested due to the favorable conditions offered by the aquatic environment. Objective: To review scientific publications addressing the effects or benefits of swimming on osteoarthritis. Methods: A literature review was conducted by searching scientific articles related to the topic. The PEO question used was: What are the effects or benefits of swimming in patients with osteoarthritis? The databases consulted were PubMed, WorldWideScience.ORG, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The keywords used were: “Osteoarthritis,” “Swimming,” “Effect,” in combination with “Benefits”; as well as their equivalents in Spanish: “Osteoartritis,” “Natación,” “Efecto,” and “Beneficios.” Articles published between January 1, 2012, and August 22, 2024, were selected. Results: Of the 28 articles identified, 16 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 12 articles being included in this review. Based on the analysis of these 12 studies, swimming or aquatic exercise was shown to provide multiple benefits for individuals with osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Swimming and aquatic exercises offer various benefits for individuals with osteoarthritis, including symptom reduction, improved functional capacity, enhanced muscle strength, and potential protective effects against disease progression.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú