In Thailand, reports indicate that osteoarthritis (OA) affects 34.5 – 45.6% of elderly individuals in the community, impacting their daily lives and making exercise on land challenging. One effective way to reduce joint pain and discomfort is by exercising in water. This research aimed to develop an underwater treadmill (UTM) and evaluate its effectiveness in pain reduction and mobility improvement. The study involved patients aged 50 – 85, with BMI of ≥25 kg/m. The exercise consisted of 4 weeks, 3 days/week, with each session lasting 30 minutes. 

The study found significant differences, including a notable reduction in pain levels, from 6.4 to 4.1. The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) increased from 294.4 – 329.3 m. The muscle weight of the front thigh increased from 8.4 – 10.2, indicating increased quadriceps strength (QS). 

Additionally, feedback from patients indicated a high level of satisfaction with UTM exercise. Furthermore, 90% of patients rated their condition as “improved” or “greatly improved. In conclusion, the study suggests that UTM can be a viable exercise option for osteoarthritis. It offers safety, affordability, ease of use, and positive results in physical recovery, making it a practical choice for rehabilitation.