Riding a Bike in the Water?? Sounds absurd but why is it so good for knee rehab?
Knee rehabilitation is a common concern for individuals who have undergone knee surgery or experienced knee injuries. Exercise is a crucial component of rehabilitation, but traditional forms of exercise can be painful and difficult for those with knee injuries. Underwater biking, also known as aqua cycling, is an excellent option for individuals with knee injuries as it provides a low-impact workout with numerous benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of using an underwater bike for exercise during knee rehabilitation.
Low-Impact Exercise
The buoyancy of water provides a low-impact environment, reducing the stress on the knees while exercising. This is particularly important for individuals with knee injuries or arthritis, as it helps prevent further damage and pain. Aqua Cycling also provides resistance to movement, making it an effective form of cardiovascular exercise without putting undue stress on the knees.
Improved Range of Motion
Underwater biking promotes better range of motion in the knees, which is essential during rehabilitation. The water resistance against the pedaling motion can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and individuals with limited knee mobility can use aqua cycling to increase their range of motion while minimizing discomfort.
Reduced Swelling
Water pressure from the surrounding water can help reduce swelling in the knee. Swelling is a common issue after knee surgery or injury, and reducing it can promote better healing and reduce pain. Aqua cycling can be a useful tool to help reduce swelling in the knee while providing exercise benefits.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Underwater biking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that can provide numerous benefits for overall heart health. The combination of pedaling and water resistance can help increase heart rate, improve circulation, and promote better cardiovascular health. This is particularly important for individuals with knee injuries who may have limited options for cardiovascular exercise.
Customizable Resistance
The resistance of an underwater bike is completely dependent on how hard you push! The faster the movement, the harder the resistance of the water. So the resistance can be gradually increased over time as strength improves.
So why not give it a go?
Aqua cycling is an excellent exercise option for individuals with knee injuries, offering low-impact exercise with numerous benefits. It can help improve range of motion, reduce swelling, promote cardiovascular health, and provide resistance to improve strength. With the guidance from a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, a rehabilitation program can be designed to get you back on your feet.