Effect Of Aquatic Therapy On Bilateral Prowling And Proprioceptive Training On Knee Hyperextension In Post Stroke Patients
1
Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Karad, Maharashtra, India
2
Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Karad, Maharashtra, India, drsurajkanase7@gmail.com
3
Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Karad, Maharashtra, India.
Received: 2025-09-17
Revised: 2025-09-29
Accepted: 2025-10-14
Published: 2025-10-22
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. A common gait abnormality in stroke survivors is knee hyperextension (genu recurvatum), primarily resulting from impaired proprioception, muscle weakness, and poor neuromuscular control. This condition can compromise gait efficiency and increase fall and joint injury risks. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic proprioceptive training combined with bilateral prowling in reducing knee hyperextension and improving gait in post-stroke individuals. Methods: 28 post-stroke individuals were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (n=14) received conventional physiotherapy with land-based proprioceptive training and bilateral prowling. Group B (n=14) followed the similar conventional protocol but performed proprioceptive training and bilateral prowling in an aquatic setting. Outcomes were measured at baseline, and at 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks using the Wisconsin Gait Scale and Kinovea software. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements over six weeks. Group A shows WGS scores decreased from 27.2 to 21.1 and knee hyperextension improved from -13.6° to -10.3° (p = 0.002). Group B showed greater improvements, with WGS scores reducing from 27.9 to 19.4 and knee angles from -14.0° to -8.4° (p = 0.0001). Between-group analysis revealed significantly better outcomes in Group B, supporting the effectiveness of the aquatic-based intervention. Conclusion: Aquatic-based proprioceptive and prowling training is more effective than land-based therapy in reducing knee hyperextension and improving gait in post-stroke rehabilitation.
Stroke, knee hyperextension, proprioceptive training, aquatic therapy, prowling.