CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA FISIOTERAPIA AQUÁTICA: REABILITAÇÃO EM PACIENTES COM LESÃO MEDULAR ESPINHAL TRAUMÁTICA

Aquatic Physical Therapy (APT) has been reported as applicable in various specialties within the physiotherapy field, culminating in rehabilitation procedures, especially after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), with beneficial results for individuals with this condition. It tends to be more effective in restoring some or all movement, initially with plegia, presenting a decrease and even absence of strength and balance post-trauma in the vertebral column region, leading to spinal cord injury. The aquatic environment provides the patient with a bombardment of sensory-motor stimuli, further activating neuroplasticity in rehabilitation, as well as reducing pain, providing relaxation of all muscles, and increasing blood supply to the muscles. In addition to being a therapy in a safe environment, an important factor is the reduction of joint impact and improvement in venous return, making it possible to recover movements. Objective: To understand the contributions of aquatic physiotherapy in functional rehabilitation in (SCI). Methodology: Based on bibliographic research, using the electronic databases Bireme, PubMed, and Scielo, with articles published from 2000 onwards. Conclusion: Aquatic physiotherapy and its benefits in health recovery, achieved through the physical properties of water, have been studied since the time of Hippocrates, which, combined with physiotherapy treatment protocols, promote better functional rehabilitation for patients with (SCI).