However , aquatic exercise improved key predisposing physical fitness components that are modifiable and internal risk factors for falling .
Conclusions There is limited , low- quality evidence to support the use of aquatic exercise for improving physiological components that are risk factors for falling .
Background According to the World Health Organization , the elderly are at the highest risk of injury or death from a fall .
Age-related changes in strength , balance and flexibility are degenerative factors that may increase the risk of falling , and an aquatic training may offer a favourable environment to improve these modifiable risk factors .
Methods A systematic review was conducted to assess the potential preventative role of aquatic exercise for reducing the risk of falls in the elderly by improving predisposing risk factors .
The effects of a water-based exercise program on strength and functionality of older adults.
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of a water-based exercise program on peak torque ( PT ) and rate of torque development ( RTD ) during maximal voluntary ballistic isometric contractions of the lower limb muscles and the performance of a number of functional tests in the elderly . METHOD Thirty-seven elderly were r and omly assigned to water-based training ( 3 d/wk for 12 wk ) or a control group .  Extensor and flexor PT and RTD of the ankle , knee , and hip joints and functional tests were evaluated before and after training . RESULTS PT increased after training for the hip flexors ( 18 % ) and extensors ( 40 % ) and the plantar-flexor ( 42 % ) muscles in the water-based group . RTD increased after training for the hip-extensor ( 10 % ) , knee-extensor ( 11 % ) , and ankle plantar-flexor ( 27 % ) muscles in the water-based group . Functional tests also improved after training in the water-based group ( p < .05 ) . CONCLUSION The water-based program improved PT and RTD and functional performance in the elderly
However , aquatic exercise improved key predisposing physical fitness components that are modifiable and internal risk factors for falling .
Conclusions There is limited , low- quality evidence to support the use of aquatic exercise for improving physiological components that are risk factors for falling .
Background According to the World Health Organization , the elderly are at the highest risk of injury or death from a fall .
Age-related changes in strength , balance and flexibility are degenerative factors that may increase the risk of falling , and an aquatic training may offer a favourable environment to improve these modifiable risk factors .
Methods A systematic review was conducted to assess the potential preventative role of aquatic exercise for reducing the risk of falls in the elderly by improving predisposing risk factors .