Therapeutic exercise
Supported Pool Walking
Aerobic exercise in a pool for fibromyalgia. Reduces joint load by up to 70% (chest-deep water) and promotes muscle relaxation — a superior alternative to land walking in a sensitized phase.
How to perform
- Starting position. Enter the pool to chest depth.
- Step 2. Walk forward at a comfortable pace for 2 minutes.
- Step 3. Alternate with sideways walking, crossing the feet (2 minutes).
- Return. Finish with backward walking (2 minutes).
When not to perform
- Open wounds
- Active skin infection
- Uncomfortable water temperature (<28 °C)
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Aquatic Walking
Low-impact aerobic exercise in a pool. Buoyancy reduces the axial load on the hip and knee, making walking tolerable in advanced osteoarthritis.
Stationary Cycling
Closed-kinetic-chain aerobic exercise on a stationary bike — cycling preserves the joints without impact while maintaining cardiovascular conditioning in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
Wall Sit
Isometric quadriceps strengthening in a closed kinetic chain. Provides controlled axial load while respecting the pain threshold in osteoarthritis.