Aquatic Therapy for POTS
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if water-based therapy can alleviate symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), such as rapid heartbeat when standing, and improve overall quality of life. Participants will attend water therapy sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, focusing on breathing, balance, and strength. This study is open to individuals diagnosed with POTS who have a doctor's permission to participate in aquatic therapy. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy options that may enhance quality of life.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial organizers or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this aquatic therapy is safe for people with POTS?
Research has shown that water-based therapy might be a safe treatment for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). One report suggested it could serve as a beneficial exercise option for these patients. The water offers gentle pressure on the body, which can be helpful.
Additionally, occupational therapy, included in this water therapy, is generally safe and can aid patients in enhancing their daily activities. Although this trial is an early study without previous phases for reference, the safety of these therapies in other settings is encouraging.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about aquatic therapy for POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) because it offers a unique, holistic approach compared to traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy. Unlike standard care, which often focuses on managing symptoms through drugs, aquatic therapy uses water-based exercises to improve balance, strength, and endurance while also challenging cognitive functions. This method leverages the supportive properties of water to reduce strain and increase mobility, potentially offering a more gentle yet effective way to help POTS patients improve their daily functioning and quality of life.
What evidence suggests that aquatic occupational therapy is effective for POTS?
Research has shown that water-based exercise, known as aquatic therapy, might help people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). One report found aquatic therapy to be an effective exercise option for easing POTS symptoms. Exercise in general is linked to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life for those with POTS. In this trial, all participants will receive Aquatic Occupational Therapy, which can improve balance, strength, and endurance, crucial for managing POTS. These findings suggest that aquatic therapy may enhance life quality and reduce symptoms for people with POTS.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
EvaRose Celeste, OT Doctoral student
Principal Investigator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Tracy Becerra-Culqui, PhD, MPH, BS OT
Principal Investigator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Autonomic Neuropathy. Participants will engage in aquatic occupational therapy to see if it improves their symptoms and quality of life. Details on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria are not provided, but typically would involve confirming a diagnosis of POTS and ensuring participants can safely perform aquatic exercises.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Participants complete an occupational therapy evaluation before and after program completion
Aquatic Therapy
Participants engage in aquatic therapy sessions focusing on breathing techniques, strength, endurance, and cognitive challenges
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Aquatic Occupational Therapy
Trial Overview
The study tests whether aquatic occupational therapy can reduce the heart rate increase upon standing (orthostatic tachycardia), alleviate other POTS symptoms, and improve overall quality of life for patients with POTS. It involves an initial evaluation, followed by three one-hour sessions per week over twelve weeks without a comparison group.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All participants will participate in the aquatic occupational therapy arm. The aquatic occupational therapy intervention is divided into three progressive months: Month 1: Breathing techniques, proprioception, balance, and vestibular activities. Easy breathing and balancing moves Example: Belly breathing, water walking, toe lifts, mountain aqua yoga pose Month 2: Strength and endurance training Building strength and ability to exercise longer Example: Water marching, core exercises using dumbbells or paddles Month 3: Advanced strengthening and endurance tasks with integrated cognitive, balance, and dual-task challenges. Harder exercises and doing two things at once, like thinking and moving together Example: Dumbbell exercises while playing a word association game
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Lead Sponsor
Citations
NCT07182578 | Programming Aquatic Therapy for POTS
The goal of this pilot study is to create, implement, and evaluate an aquatic therapy for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) ...
Aquatic Therapy for a Patient with Postural Orthostatic ...
The results of this case report suggest that aquatic therapy may be an appropriate exercise modality for patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia.
Long‐Term POTS Outcomes Survey: Diagnosis, Therapy ...
The LT‐POTS (Long Term POTS Outcomes Survey) included questions about quality of life, symptoms, therapies, education, employment, and social impact of disease.
Aquatic Therapy for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia ...
The study aims to see if participating in aquatic therapy can reduce these symptoms, improve overall quality of life, and be a practical option ...
Review article The use and effectiveness of exercise for ...
Data from the case studies also demonstrate that exercise training for POTS management leads to reduction in OI symptoms, improvements of QOL and increases in ...
6.
hopkinsmedicine.org
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-potsPostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Aquatic therapy may work for some POTS patients due to the water creating pressure around the body. Many experts find that manual physical therapy that ...
Occupational Therapy for POTS
Occupational therapy is cost-effective and safe. Through rehabilitation, patients often experience improvement in function and may be able to ...
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A critical ...
POTS is not simply orthostatic intolerance and symptoms or intermittent orthostatic tachycardia but the syndrome needs to be characterized over time and with ...
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