Feasibility And Impact Of Water Specific Therapy (WST) Intervention On Lower Limb Motor Function And Depression In Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Feasibility And Impact Of Water Specific Therapy (WST) Intervention On Lower Limb Motor Function And Depression In Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study focuses on improving recovery in people with subacute stroke, where impaired lower limb motor function and depression can significantly limit mobility, independence, and quality of life. Although rehabilitation programs commonly use land-based exercises, hydrotherapy offers unique physical properties that may enhance motor control, balance, and gait more effectively. However, there is limited structured evidence on the feasibility and clinical impact of a standardized water-specific therapy protocol in subacute stroke patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate both the feasibility and effectiveness of Water-Specific Therapy (WST) on lower limb motor function and depression using outcome measures including the Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (Lower Limb), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA), and Rivermead ADL Scale. In this randomized controlled trial, subacute stroke participants will be assigned to intervention groups to receive WST-based rehabilitation, and assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to compare functional and psychological outcomes.