Efficacy of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise vs Physical Therapy Modalities for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Key Points Question Is therapeutic aquatic exercise as effective as physical therapy modalities in the management of adults with chronic low back pain? Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 113 individuals with chronic low back pain, therapeutic aquatic exercise had a greater influence on pain, function, quality of life, sleep quality, and mental state than physical therapy modalities after a 3-month intervention, and the effect was present up to the 12-month follow-up. The recommendation rate of therapeutic aquatic exercise was significantly higher than that of physical therapy modalities. Meaning The findings of this trial suggest that therapeutic aquatic exercise is an effective treatment for adults with chronic low back pain.