For people with SCI, aquatic exercise provides advantages over land exercise programs. Individual and group workouts can occur easily in water, and family and friends are able to participate.
Most importantly, water allows freedom of movement restricted by gravity during land exercise. Water naturally supports your body weight, allowing you to move body parts that are difficult for you to move on land. You may also be able to walk or run in the water even if on land you use a wheelchair for mobility. Water pressure (hydrostatic) improves body awareness by signaling sensory receptors as well as reduces swelling. Warm water helps with muscle spasms, promotes relaxation, and may give pain relief. If you work hard in the water doing aerobic exercise or strength training, cooler water is better.
