Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Effects of swimming on the functional independence of patients with spinal cord injury

FUNDAMENTS AND OBJECTIVE: Sports play an important role in the physical rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury by broadening the therapeutic alternatives in addition to providing functional independence. The objective of this study is to determining the effects of swimming on the functional capacity of patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS: 16 patients with spinal cord injury were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The assessment of both groups was performed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM scale) before and after the trial, which consisted of swimming sessions performed twice a week during a period of four months. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated noticeable gains related to body care, transference, overall and motor scores, even though the experimental group presented greater gains in transference, overall motor score and overall score. CONCLUSION: The swimming activity was effective in improving their physical condition, bringing motor benefits on the functional capacity of participants from the experimental group.

Spinal cord injuries; Swimming; Functional independence; Rehabilitation


Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Exercício e do Esporte Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 278, 6º and., 01318-901 São Paulo SP, Tel.: +55 11 3106-7544, Fax: +55 11 3106-8611 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: atharbme@uol.com.br