Evaluation of postural equilibrium in aged practitioners of group hydrotherapy

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.200832.1.7

Abstract

The Brazilian population is passing through a process of increasing aging, which badly affects an increasing number of people concerning
their physical aptitudes necessary for maintaining functionality. Hydrotherapy has been ever more looked for by individuals pertaining
to the so-called Third Age, due to be a practice that produces significant benefits for this population. It consists on exercises carried through in
a warm swimming pool that promote physiological alterations in the different body systems, facilitating the accomplishment of daily activities.
The study aimed to evaluate the influence of the properties of the liquid environment in the improvement of the postural equilibrium of aged
people. The study had 2 groups. The study group had 11 aged women that had participated of 10 sessions of hydrotherapy once week and the
control group had 13 aged women that were not submitted to physical intervention, but only attended educative lectures on fall prevention.
The POMA Scale was used for evaluating postural equilibrium and this was carried through in the first meeting and after a 10-week interval. The
groups were analyzed regarding the alterations presented by their members and this analysis was carried through scores attained (P=0.05). We
observed a significant increase in the equilibrium test scores and the one of marching (P<0.05) in aged people submitted to physical interventions,
but the control group presented a significant reduction (P>0.05) in both tests. This way, hydrotherapy has an important role in equilibrium
improvement and aged people’s functionality, and its practice must be encouraged for this population.