Aquatic physiotherapy in fall prevention for the elderly: benefits for balance, gait, and quality of life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17723539Keywords:
Fisioterapia aquática, Queda, Equilíbrio, IdosoAbstract
Aging occurs through physiological changes in the body, involving loss of balance and muscle
strength, influencing an increased risk of falls in the elderly population. Falls are a major cause
of morbidity and mortality, generating physical, social, and emotional damage. This study aims
to understand the benefits of aquatic physiotherapy for elderly individuals at risk of falls,
highlighting its effects on balance, muscle strength, and quality of life. A systematic review was
conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, using the Portuguese and English
descriptors: "aquatic therapy," "older adults," "balance," "fisioterapia aquarela," "quedas," and
"marcha." Randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in the
last five years were included in this research. Results showed the effectiveness of aquatic
physiotherapy in improving balance, gait, and reducing the fear of falling. It is concluded that
aquatic physiotherapy is an efficient approach.
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