The effect of a therapeutic program using swimming exercises in reducing pain intensity in adults with sciatic nerve and low back pain
Taghread Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed, Heba Ali Ibrahim Seleem, Ghada Mohamed Youssef Elsayed, Marwa Ahmed Fadl Kholif, Rania Mohammed Abduljawad, Nour Taha Ebrahem Housen, Naglaa Mohamed Roby Sofy, Naglaa Radwan, Hager Abdel HadyBACKGROUND:
Sciatica is a common issue that impacts quality of life and productivity. This study aims to design a therapeutic swimming program for individuals with sciatica and low back pain, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving patient outcomes
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The experimental study was conducted on 40 subjects who were intentionally selected from those suffering from sciatica and lower back pain (age: 40.65 ± 0.45 years; body height: 160.42 ± 3.11 cm; body mass: 80.68 ± 3.63 kg). They were divided into two equal groups: The aquatic therapy group (ATG), which underwent a therapeutic program designed using swimming exercises, and the traditional treatment group (TTG). All variables were assessed one week before the therapeutic program and after the eight-week therapeutic period. Data were collected using the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI) and Sciatica Frequency Index (SFI) to assess the sciatic nerve pain (SNP), the Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire (MSBQ) was used to measure the low back pain (LBP). The intensity of sciatic nerve pain and low back pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The Curl-up test, sit and reach test, Standing Stork test, and Leg Press Test were used to measure the Motor Activity (MA). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software with the descriptive statistical test. The level of significance was set at
RESULTS:
The results showed that both groups made significant improvements in all variables (SNP - LBP - MA), but the ATG had significantly greater improvements than the TTG. The percentage of improvement ranged from 39% to 195% for the ATG group, versus 8% to 93% for the TTG group.
CONCLUSION:
The major conclusion drawn from this study was the effectiveness of a therapeutic program designed using swimming training in reducing low back and sciatic nerve pain and enhancing motor activity. This was achieved through improved range of motion in the joints, restoration of physical function, and reduction in the severity of pain, reflecting progress toward achieving public health goals