Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dry hydrotherapy, dry heat therapy and massage therapy on heart rate, blood pressure and lumbar flexion range of motion using the Aqua PT 3-in-1 Therapy System. Thirty-three healthy adult (24 female, nine male) subjects ranging from 20 to 60 years of age, with a mean age of 29 years, were tested. Subjects were placed in a prone position in the Aqua PT for 15 min, at 90°F, 7 lbs of pressure and 2 cycles per second with a dorsal massage from the gluteal fold to the inferior border of the scapulae. Pre- and post-treatment heart rate, blood pressure and lumbar flexion range of motion were recorded. The values were compared to a non-treatment control procedure which consisted of 15 min of lying prone at room temperature (72°F). A two-tailed t-test was performed for heart rate, blood pressure and lumbar flexion between the treatment measurements and the control measurements. Gross flexion (T12 measurement) and hip flexion (S2 measurement) showed a significant increase with the Aqua PT treatment, whereas there was no significant difference in the True Lumbar Flexion measurement (T12-S2). The heart rate and blood pressure measurements revealed no significant change between treatment and control.
