Person with Multiple Sclerosis exercising in a pool, symbolizing improved mobility and strength.

Move Better, Feel Better: How Aquatic Exercise Can Transform Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock New Levels of Strength and Gait with Water-Based Workouts"

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) presents numerous physical challenges that can significantly impact daily life. From limiting independence to decreasing physical activity levels, the neurodegenerative disease often leads to a decline in overall well-being. However, emerging research offers a promising solution: aquatic exercise.

Aquatic exercise provides a unique environment that can help individuals with MS improve their function and fitness in an accommodating setting. By harnessing the properties of water, this form of exercise reduces stress on joints, enhances balance, and facilitates a wider range of motion. A recent study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise on gait and strength outcomes in individuals with MS, revealing remarkable benefits.

This article dives into the findings of this groundbreaking research, exploring how aquatic exercise can improve muscle strength, gait patterns, and overall quality of life for individuals with MS. Discover how water-based workouts can unlock new levels of mobility and well-being.

The Science Behind Aquatic Exercise and MS

Person with Multiple Sclerosis exercising in a pool, symbolizing improved mobility and strength.

The study, conducted at California State University Northridge, employed a randomized controlled intervention design. Twenty participants with MS were divided into two groups: an aquatic intervention group and a control group. The aquatic intervention group engaged in 50-minute aquatic exercise sessions twice a week for 10 weeks, while the control group continued their daily activities.

Each aquatic session included a warm-up, gait and strength training, and a cool-down. Researchers assessed spatiotemporal and kinematic gait outcomes using a 3-D motion analysis system (VICON, Oxford, UK, 2010) and measured isometric strength of knee flexion and extension with a computerized dynamometer (Biodex Medical System Inc, Shirley, NY, 2012).

Increased Muscle Strength: The aquatic group showed a significant 32.60% increase in muscle strength in the quadriceps.
Improved Stride Length: Participants experienced a 14.03% increase in stride length.
Enhanced Walking Speed: Walking speed improved by 21.88%.
Greater Ankle Plantarflexion: Peak ankle plantarflexion increased by 71.62%.

These results indicate that aquatic exercise can effectively improve muscle strength in the knee extensors and gait patterns in individuals with MS. The findings suggest that aquatic exercise can facilitate the proper use of ankle plantarflexion for walking, an essential component of healthy gait.

Transform Your Life with Aquatic Exercise

The study's conclusions highlight the potential of aquatic exercise as a valuable intervention for individuals with MS. By improving muscle strength and gait patterns, aquatic exercise can enhance mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know is living with MS, consider incorporating aquatic exercise into your wellness routine. Consult with a healthcare professional or qualified aquatic therapist to develop a safe and effective program tailored to your specific needs and abilities.

Embrace the transformative power of aquatic exercise and unlock new levels of strength, mobility, and well-being. Take the first step towards a more active and fulfilling life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1249/01.mss.0000486151.32566.85, Alternate LINK

Title: The Effects Of Aquatic Exercise On Gait And Strength In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Subject: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Allison M. Lange, Kelsea Smith, Ileana Hurtado, Mai Narasaki-Jara, Teri Todd, Konstantinos Vrongistinos, Taeyou Jung

Published: 2016-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is aquatic exercise, and why is it beneficial for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Aquatic exercise is a form of exercise performed in water. It is significant because it provides a unique environment where the properties of water, such as buoyancy, help reduce stress on the joints and enhance balance. The benefits of Aquatic exercise can significantly improve mobility and overall quality of life for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

How was the study on aquatic exercise conducted?

The study, conducted by California State University Northridge, employed a randomized controlled intervention design. Twenty participants with MS were split into two groups. One group engaged in aquatic exercise sessions, and the other served as a control group, continuing their daily activities. The aquatic intervention group participated in 50-minute aquatic exercise sessions twice a week for 10 weeks. The results from this study revealed remarkable benefits regarding muscle strength and gait patterns.

How does aquatic exercise improve muscle strength in people with MS?

The study showed that aquatic exercise can improve muscle strength by a significant 32.60% increase in muscle strength in the quadriceps. This is important because enhanced muscle strength in the knee extensors is crucial for improving mobility. Furthermore, it was found that aquatic exercise facilitates the proper use of ankle plantarflexion for walking, a critical component of healthy gait.

In what ways does aquatic exercise improve gait patterns?

Individuals with MS can experience improved gait patterns through aquatic exercise. Participants in the study showed a 14.03% increase in stride length and a 21.88% improvement in walking speed. This suggests that aquatic exercise enhances the ability to walk more efficiently, which, in turn, can lead to greater independence and a better quality of life.

How can aquatic exercise improve the overall quality of life for individuals with MS?

Aquatic exercise can improve the overall quality of life for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by enhancing mobility and independence. The research findings indicate that aquatic exercise can improve muscle strength and gait patterns. By improving these physical aspects, individuals with MS may experience enhanced mobility, which translates into greater ease in performing daily activities and, ultimately, an improved sense of well-being.