Hydrogymnastics is a water-based therapeutic exercise. As its name suggests, this form of aquatic therapy or aquatic rehabilitation is performed in water, and it can take place in swimming pools at aquatic leisure centres and/or in home pools. Being a form of aquatic therapy, hydrogymnastics aims to improve the physical and psychological health and well-being of an individual. Hydrogymnastics can be performed by anyone, including youths (children, teenagers, young adults), middle-aged people, the elderly, athletes and those with disabilities. Hydrogymnastics is often assisted by a qualified aquatic therapist and/or exercise physiologist. Although the effects of hydrogymnastics may vary between individuals belonging to different age groups and genders, hydrogymnastics mainly improves one's cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and mobility.
History
Over time many different terms and names have been used to describe hydrogymnastics; however, all are categorised as a form of aquatic or water rehabilitation. The practice of water rehabilitation began in the 24th century BC in Ancient Greece and Asia, where people used the therapeutic benefits of water as both a remedy for illnesses and for religious reasons. However, hydrogymnastics (in a form less modern than today) began in the year 460 BC in Ancient Greece, where it simply involved a person transitioning between hot and cold water in order to treat diseases, muscle aches and pains and bring high fever temperatures down. This form of treatment continued over the years, but in the 6th century people's fear of water meant hydrogymnastics was not performed as often, and as a result bathing in general also declined. But in the 1700s, water and hydrogymnastics were used once again to treat illnesses; one of which was smallpox, which was a very common disease during this period of time. As time passed, more and more people began to see the benefits of water rehabilitation, and as a result people all over the world adopted it into their lives. Consequently, new names, methods, techniques, styles, equipment and principles have been introduced into aquatic rehabilitation, one of which is hydrogymnastics. Today hydrogymnastics helps people of all ages and genders, including those with disabilities, to improve their balance, strength, endurance and movement. At the present time, almost every local aquatic centre has hydrogymnastics classes available. Hydrogymnastics is also performed by athletes, who use hydrogymnastics as a form of recovery that can help them heal from injuries at a faster rate. Depending on the athlete and the sport, these injuries can range from serious back and shoulder injuries to hip and knee problems, including ligament tear or rupture. The severity of the injury will also determine whether the participants are assisted by the therapist, whether they use specific equipment and/or a form of resistance, how long they spend in the water, and the intensity of the activity. These are all also determined by the participant's pain levels.
Techniques
Bad Ragaz Ring Method (BRRM) One technique of hydrogymnastics is the Bad Ragaz Ring Method. In 1957, BRRM was created in the "therapeutic thermal pools of Bad Ragaz in Switzerland" by Dr. Knupfer. BRRM involves a participant and three ring floaties which are located around their neck, pelvis, keens and/or ankles. These floaties help the participant to stay afloat in a horizontal position. The therapist is located at the participants head, side or feet and hence is able to effectively perform movement (e.g. swaying, rocking, rolling, etc.). In order to be beneficial, this method requires warm water. There are many benefits associated with BRRM; these include spinal alignment and elongation, stability, better range of joint motion, and ability to activate pre-weight bearing. People who would benefit from the Bad Ragaz Ring Method include those who suffer from pain while moving (e.g. walking, lifting, etc.), those who have poor range of motion and coordination, those who have "proprioceptive or sensory deficits", and those who are unable to use their full weight bearing. By using a particular form of equipment (floaties), BRRM is simultaneously a method for learning to activate different muscles and a form of body relaxation.
Watsu Another hydrogymnastics technique is Watsu, which was created by Harold Dull in 1980 in the Hot Springs of Northern California. Essentially, Watsu combines both the Bad Ragaz Ring Method and Shiatsu massage – a type of massage that only uses hand pressure from a therapist. Like BRRM, this method should be performed in warm water in order to be completely beneficial. In order for Watsu to work, the therapist should be situated at the centre of the participant's back, not so low that they are near their lumbar spine and not so high that they are near their cervical vertebrae. Watsu is heavily dependent on the therapist, as no floaties are used. By using the "supine position", the therapist literally holds or cradles the participant and glides them through the water. In Watsu it is extremely important that rhythmical breathing occur while the body is moving. The benefits of Watsu include: reduced pain, freer range of motion and movement, more energy, development of even breathing, better sleeping and rest patterns, and a higher body awareness (the ability to feel when something in their body does not feel right). People who will benefit from Watsu include those who experience pain while moving, those who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and those who suffer from a neuromuscular disorder, soft tissue dysfunction, fatigue, hyperactivity, depression, stress, or anxiety.
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