Therapeutic aquatic exercise and its influence on postural control in older adults

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the impact of therapeutic aquatic exercises on the ability of older adults (60-78) to maintain balance, based on changes in the physiological, sensory, and neuromuscular systems associated with aging. Using an 8-week structured aquatic exercise program, 20 participants were initially assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the Romberg test, and a balance task observation checklist. The exercise program consisted of water adaptation exercises, core strengthening, weight transfer exercises, dynamic balance, controlled instability within the three-dimensional environment of water. Results demonstrated significant improvement in all outcomes (BBS + improvement in static/dynamic balance; TUG - decrease in time = improvement in functional mobility). All results indicated that improvement in both anticipatory and compensatory postural storage mechanisms occurred as a result of the inclusion of water's hydrodynamic properties (buoyancy, multidirectional resistance, hydrostatic pressure), thereby increasing movement efficiency and maintaining improved neuromuscular responsiveness. The results support the conclusion that therapeutic aquatic exercise is an important strategy for improving postural stability and independence in older adults. Communities and health care facilities are encouraged to provide therapeutic aquatic exercise programs for their members and to conduct large-scale longitudinal follow-up studies to determine whether the improvements will be maintained over time.