The main object of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to collect the available evidence of
aquatic therapy in
stroke rehabilitation and to investigate the effect of this intervention in supporting
stroke recovery. The PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the PEDro databases were searched from their inception through to 31/05/2020 on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of
aquatic therapy on
stroke recovery. Subjects´ characteristics, methodological aspects, intervention description, and outcomes were extracted. Effect sizes were calculated for each study and outcome. Overall, 28 appropriate studies (N = 961) have been identified. A comparison with no intervention indicates that
aquatic therapy is effective in supporting walking, balance, emotional status and health-related quality of life, spasticity, and physiological indicators. In comparison with land-based interventions,
aquatic therapy shows superior effectiveness on balance, walking, muscular strength, proprioception, health-related quality of life, physiological indicators, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Only on independence in
activities of daily living the land- and water-based exercise induce similar effects. Established concepts of water-based
therapy (such as the Halliwick, Ai Chi, Watsu, or Bad Ragaz Ring methods) are the most effective, aquatic treadmill walking is the least effective. The current evidence is insufficient to support this
therapy form within evidence-based rehabilitation. However, the available data indicate that this
therapy can significantly improve a wide range of
stroke-induced disabilities. Future research should devote more attention to this highly potent intervention.