Functional Outcomes in Patients With Cerebral Infarction After Aquatic Physiotherapy and Aerobic Exercise

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in functional outcomes in patients with cerebral infarction following aquatic physiotherapy and aerobic exercises during the second stage of rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria: * Muscle strength of 4-5 points, assessed using manual muscle testing. * Ability to walk independently or with the use of an assistive device. * Stable cardiovascular status, based on the results of a physician's examination and the participant's medical history. * First-ever cerebral infarction. * Participants aged 45-74 years. * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 11-30 points, based on the patient's medical records and the assessment performed by psychologists working at Kulautuva Rehabilitation Hospital. Exclusion Criteria: * Muscle strength of less than 4 points, assessed using manual muscle testing. * Inability to walk independently or with the use of an assistive device. * Unstable cardiovascular status (uncontrolled arterial hypertension, angina --pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and other contraindications). * Recurrent cerebral infarction. * Participants younger than 45 years or older than 74 years. * MMSE score below 11 points. * Comorbidities that limit the ability to safely perform aquatic physiotherapy or aerobic exercises. * Contraindications to aquatic physiotherapy (open wounds, skin diseases, etc.).