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 .
A best practice fall prevention exercise program to improve balance, strength / power, and psychosocial health in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Background With increasing age neuromuscular deficits ( e.g. , sarcopenia ) may result in impaired physical performance and an increased risk for falls . Prominent intrinsic fall-risk factors are age-related decreases in balance and strength / power performance as well as cognitive decline . Additional studies are needed to develop specifically tailored exercise programs for older adults that can easily be implemented into clinical practice . Thus , the objective of the present trial is to assess the effects of a  fall prevention program that was developed by an interdisciplinary expert panel on measures of balance , strength / power , body composition , cognition , psychosocial well-being , and falls self-efficacy in healthy older adults . Additionally , the time-related effects of detraining are tested . Methods / Design Healthy old people ( n = 54 ) between the age of 65 to 80 years will participate in this trial . The testing protocol comprises tests for the assessment of static / dynamic steady-state balance ( i.e. , Sharpened Romberg Test , instrumented gait analysis ) , proactive balance ( i.e. , Functional Reach Test ; Timed Up and Go Test ) , reactive balance ( i.e. , perturbation test during bipedal stance ; Push and Release Test ) , strength ( i.e. , h and grip strength test ; Chair St and Test ) , and power ( i.e. , Stair Climb Power Test ; countermovement jump ) . Further , body composition will be analysed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis system . In addition , question naires for the assessment of psychosocial ( i.e. , World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment -Bref ) , cognitive ( i.e. , Mini Mental State Examination ) , and fall risk determinants ( i.e. , Fall Efficacy Scale – International ) will be included in the study protocol . Participants will be r and omized into two intervention groups or the control / waiting group . After baseline measures , participants in the intervention groups will conduct a 12-week balance and strength / power exercise intervention 3 times per week , with each training session lasting 30 min . ( actual training time ) . One intervention group will complete an extensive supervised training program , while the other intervention group will complete a short version ( ' 3 times 3 ’ ) that is home-based and controlled by weekly phone calls . Post-tests will be conducted right after the intervention period . Additionally , detraining effects will be measured 12 weeks after program cessation . The control group / waiting group will not participate in any specific intervention during the experimental period , but will receive the extensive supervised program after the experimental period . Discussion It is expected that particularly the supervised combination of balance and strength / power training will improve performance in variables of balance , strength / power , body composition , cognitive function , psychosocial well-being , and falls self-efficacy of older adults . In addition , information regarding fall risk assessment , dose – response-relations , detraining effects , and supervision of training will be provided . Further , training-induced health-relevant changes , such as improved performance in activities of daily living , cognitive function , and quality of life , as well as a reduced risk for falls may help to lower costs in the health care system . Finally , practitioners , therapists , and instructors will be provided with a scientifically evaluated feasible , safe , and easy-to-administer exercise program for fall prevention . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier :
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 .