Exercise pool
History: Where does the exercise pool come from?
The exact origin of the exercise pool is not clearly documented. However, the first systematic approaches to exercise therapy in water emerged in the 1960s in the USA. At that time, special physiotherapeutic training concepts were developed to provide patients with gentle rehabilitation after operations or injuries through training in water.
However, the idea of using the positive properties of water for health goes back much further. Even in ancient times, the Greeks and Romans used thermal baths not only for relaxation but also for therapeutic purposes. The modern exercise bath combines this ancient knowledge with the findings of physiotherapy and sports medicine.
How it works: How does an exercise bath work?
The training will not usually take place as individual therapy, but in small groups led by a physiotherapist or an experienced trainer. The exercises take place in a heated exercise pool , where the water temperature is usually between 31 and 34 degrees Celsius. This promotes muscle relaxation and makes the movements easier.
The training begins with a gentle warm-up in which the first movements are performed in the therapy pool. This is followed by targeted exercises for coordination, flexibility, strength and endurance. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the joints and spine, allowing people with restricted mobility to train. At the same time, the water resistance ensures that the muscles are effectively strengthened.
At the end of each session, there is usually a relaxation and cool-down phase to calm the circulation and let the training effect fade away.
Indications: How does an exercise bath work and who is it suitable for?
Exercise baths are primarily prescribed as part of physiotherapy after operations or for muscular, joint and spinal complaints.
Typical areas of application are
- Chronic rheumatic diseases
- Osteoarthritis and joint wear and tear
- Back pain and tension
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation after orthopaedic operations (e.g. hip or knee prostheses)
- Muscle building after injuries or prolonged immobilization
The thermal properties of the water promote blood circulation and relax the muscles. The buoyancy force reduces the strain on joints and spine, while the water resistance strengthens endurance and improves mobility.
In addition, a study led by Renata Terra de Oliveira and published in the journal "Brain Sciences" in 2024 showed that regular aqua aerobics can also improve the cognitive and motor skills of older people .
Contraindications: What are the side effects of an exercise bath?
Exercise baths are generally well tolerated, but there are some clinical pictures and contraindications for which this form of therapy should be avoided.
Exercise baths are not suitable for
- Open wounds, skin infections or fresh surgical scars
- Chlorine allergy or hypersensitivity to bath additives
- Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g. unstable angina pectoris or acute heart failure)
- Acute infections with fever
- Uncontrolled epilepsy (due to the increased risk with water applications)
Before participating in an exercise pool, a medical examination should be carried out to rule out risks and ensure the safety of the therapy.
Conclusion
The most important facts about the movement pool at a glance
- 1. In a movement pool, various therapeutic exercises are performed in water under guidance.
- 2. Movement pool sessions are often prescribed as part of physiotherapy.
- 3. The advantages of a movement pool lie in the buoyancy of the therapy pool, which makes the exercises feel easier and protects the joints, as well as in the thermal properties of the water. Additionally, training against the water resistance makes the exercises more effective.
- 4. Movement pool sessions have hardly any side effects and provide gentle training suitable for all age groups.
- 5. Movement pool sessions promote the body’s mobility and also improve motor and cognitive abilities.
FAQ - Further questions about the exercise pool
A physiotherapist or fitness trainer demonstrates each exercise. A therapy session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
Prices range between 15 and 60 euros per unit.
In many cases, statutory XXX DELETE XXX insurance companies cover part of the costs, as this is a recognized form of physiotherapy. A doctor's prescription is usually a prerequisite for physiotherapy.
A physiotherapeutic exercise bath is particularly useful after accidents, operations for rheumatic diseases and chronic pain.
Ideally, the water temperature in the therapy pool should be around 30 degrees Celsius.
Depending on the therapy goal or personal condition, two to three times a week is recommended.