the uses and benefits of the velaqua aquabike as seen by the pros

The Velaqua is an interesting device in functional rehabilitation, in a rehabilitation center. Due to its unsinkable nature, it provides great safety for the patient and gives them confidence during swimming pool exercises. It provides good stability during the various exercises. We can use it in musculoskeletal rehabilitation as well as in neuromotor rehabilitation.

We use it as well crosswise, sitting between the two floats, as in the other direction, sitting "astride", like on a bicycle.

The actions sought:

Cardiopulmonary and muscular:

Depending on the intensity of the exercises, it can be used in the warm-up phase for a gradual activation of the cardiopulmonary system and joint-muscular mobilization. We then ask for slow movements and large amplitudes of the lower limbs. Greater intensity of movement will increase muscle work and cardiopulmonary work. We can even look for a work against resistance controlled by the physiotherapist or the sports educator accompanying the patient in the water: the patient "walks" in the water by pedaling, without his feet touching the bottom of the pool, the professional stops the Velaqua movement.

Coordination and balance:

Due to its great stability, Vélaqua also allows coordination and balancing functions exercises. The patient is sitting, we can ask him both upper limb and lower limb exercises. Depending on his abilities and his level of self-confidence, the patient will be seated "astride" for better stability, so he will be able to catch the float in front of him.

A patient with better trunk balance will sit transversely. The professional will ask for similar exercises regardless of the position chosen.

The Velaqua can also be used as a “walker”. A patient who has difficulty walking, especially with regard to stability, may use it for walking in water. Again, the device can be used in either direction depending on the patient's abilities.

We thus have an action on the autonomy of the person. The patient will no longer need manual assistance to walk in the water. This is particularly interesting in severe neuromotor pathologies, when the affected person has little or no ability to walk (outside the swimming pool). It is a pleasure for her to regain part of her autonomy in the pool.

In addition to having an action on the functions of the cardiopulmonary system, the musculoskeletal system and the balancing function, Velaqua also has an effect on autonomy and emphasize the playful aspect of swimming pool rehabilitation. We can end the balneotherapy session with ball games, in individual but also collective sessions which will allow some people with serious neurological pathologies to keep a social bond.

Velaqua is not used over the entire session, as explained, it can be incorporated at any time depending on the effect sought by the therapist.

Martine LE GUEN

Physiotherapist Executive

Doctor François MOUTET

Medical Director