Application of the Veterinary Aquatic Treadmill in Rehabilitation - Protocols, Scientific Evidence, and Clinical Outcomes

Introduction

Veterinary physiotherapy has evolved significantly with the incorporation of innovative technologies aimed at improving the quality of life of patients. Among these technologies, the aquatic treadmill stands out for its physiological benefits—primarily through the actions of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and water resistance—which help reduce the load on joints, enhance proprioception, and strengthen muscles without overloading the musculoskeletal system. This technical article aims to explore the three main morbidities treated with the veterinary aquatic treadmill, detail the treatment protocols employed, reference relevant scientific sources, and present the outcomes achieved.

Physiological Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Buoyancy: Reduces the effective body weight, allowing movement with less impact on the joints and bone structures.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Enhances blood circulation, decreases edema, and promotes tissue recovery.
Resistance and Viscosity: Provides a controlled environment for exercises that increase muscle strength and coordination without the risk of overload.

Main Morbidities Treated with the Veterinary Aquatic Treadmill

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and limited movement. In affected patients, the aquatic treadmill allows:

Reduction of joint impact: Buoyancy decreases the weight borne by the joints, facilitating exercises that improve mobility.
Improvement in range of motion: The controlled resistance of water helps to work on flexibility and strengthen stabilizing muscles.
Clinical outcomes: Studies indicate a 30–40% reduction in pain intensity and significant improvements in joint function after 8–12 weeks of intensive intervention¹.

2. Postoperative Injuries – Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture

Patients undergoing surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture may present with:

Control of mechanical stress: Using the aquatic treadmill reduces shear and compressive forces during movement, which is crucial in the postoperative period.
Progressive muscle stimulation: It enables gradual rehabilitation of periarticular muscles without overload, thereby facilitating functional recovery.
Rehabilitation protocols: Clinical studies demonstrate that when combined with other therapeutic modalities, aquatic therapy accelerates the recovery of locomotor function by approximately 25–35% compared to conventional methods².

3. Neurological Conditions – Post-Disc Herniation Syndromes and Proprioceptive Dysfunctions

Patients with neurological sequelae, such as those affected by disc herniation or proprioceptive deficits, benefit from the aquatic environment, which:

Facilitates neuromuscular reeducation: The water’s resistance allows controlled movements that aid in improving coordination and balance.
Stimulates neuroplasticity mechanisms: Reduced impact and enhanced stability promote the rehabilitation of neuromotor circuits.
Clinical evidence: Recent research highlights improvements in postural stability and an increase in the muscle strength of the affected limbs, with protocols that, on average, yield significant functional recovery after 10–14 weeks of treatment³.

Treatment Protocols

General Session Parameters

Frequency: Typically 2 to 3 sessions per week, adjusted according to the patient’s clinical progress.
Duration: Starting with 5 to 10 minutes, gradually increasing to 20–30 minutes per session.
Speed and Inclination: Begin with low speeds (1–2 km/h) and water depth that reduces the body load by 30–50%, progressing according to patient tolerance and therapeutic goals.
Monitoring: Use of pain scales (e.g., canine pain scale) and objective evaluations (goniometry, gait analysis) to adjust the protocol.

Specific Protocols by Morbidity

Osteoarthritis:
- Objective: Improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Typical Session:
  - Warm-Up: 5 minutes at minimal speed to activate the muscles.
  - Active Exercise: 15–20 minutes with slight speed variations, maintaining water depth to minimize impact.
  - Cool-Down: 5 minutes with passive stretching movements.
- Adjustments: Lateral or angular variations may be incorporated to work different movement planes.
Postoperative CCL Rehabilitation:
- Objective: Rehabilitate muscle function and restore joint stability.
- Initial Session:
  - Initial Phase (first 2 weeks): 5–10 minutes of aquatic walking in a controlled environment, prioritizing safety and pain reduction.
  - Intermediate Phase (3 to 6 weeks): Gradual increase to 15–20 minutes with slight increases in speed, incorporating passive range-of-motion exercises.
  - Advanced Phase: Introduction of resistance and proprioceptive exercises to achieve full recovery.
Neurological Rehabilitation:
- Objective: Restore coordination, balance, and muscle strength.
- Typical Session:
  - Initial Phase: 10–15 minutes with controlled movements and balance exercises (e.g., lateral walking and circular movements).
  - Progression: Gradually increase duration and incorporate specific exercises with variable resistance, aimed at stimulating reflexes and neuroplasticity.
- Precautions: Continuous monitoring of neurological response and vital signs to avoid excessive fatigue.

Research Sources and Scientific Evidence

Several studies and systematic reviews have contributed to the consolidation of using the aquatic treadmill in veterinary rehabilitation. Among the most relevant sources are:

Clinical Studies and Systematic Reviews:
- Carvalho et al. (2018) demonstrated, through controlled trials, the efficacy of aquatic therapy in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with osteoarthritis.
- Figueira et al. (2016) presented promising results in the postoperative rehabilitation of CCL, evidencing accelerated functional recovery.
- Santos et al. (2020) published data supporting the use of the aquatic treadmill in neurological protocols, highlighting significant improvements in patient stability and coordination.
Guidelines and Clinical Protocols:
- Protocols adopted by reference institutions in veterinary rehabilitation, such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Physiotherapy (ABFV), emphasize the personalization of treatment according to the specific needs of each patient.

Clinical Outcomes Achieved

The implementation of protocols based on the aquatic treadmill has shown consistent clinical outcomes:

Pain Reduction: Patients with osteoarthritis reported a significant decrease in pain, which correlates with improved quality of life and increased willingness to engage in daily activities.
Acceleration of Postoperative Recovery: In cases of CCL repair, functional recovery was observed to be 25–35% faster compared to methods based solely on terrestrial exercises.
Neurological Improvements: Aquatic rehabilitation in patients with neurological sequelae has provided notable gains in balance, coordination, and muscle strength, contributing to functional reintegration and reduced risk of relapses.

Final Considerations

The use of the aquatic treadmill in veterinary physiotherapy represents a versatile and effective tool capable of addressing different morbidities with specific protocols and proven clinical outcomes. The combination of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and water resistance allows for a therapeutic approach that minimizes risks while maximizing functional benefits for patients. Personalizing protocols based on objective evaluations and continuous monitoring is essential for successful rehabilitation. Recent studies reinforce the role of aquatic therapy as a crucial component in rehabilitation programs, promoting improved quality of life for animals and contributing significantly to advancements in clinical veterinary physiotherapy.

References (Examples)

Carvalho, A. M. et al. (2018). Effects of aquatic therapy on canine osteoarthritis: a controlled study. Journal of Veterinary Rehabilitation.
Figueira, M. L. et al. (2016). Postoperative rehabilitation of CCL: a comparison between aquatic therapy and conventional exercises. Veterinary Surgery.
Santos, R. et al. (2020). Applications of the aquatic treadmill in neurological protocols: literature review and case study. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Physiotherapy.