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 water-based training program that include perturbation exercises to improve stepping responses in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled cross-over trial
Background Gait and balance impairments may increase the risk of falls , the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population . Fall-related injuries constitute a serious public health problem associated with high costs for society as well as human suffering . A rapid step is the most important protective postural strategy , acting to recover equilibrium and prevent a fall from initiating . It can arise from large perturbations , but also frequently as a consequence of volitional movements . We propose to use a novel water-based training program which includes specific perturbation exercises that will target the stepping responses that could potentially have a profound effect in reducing risk of falling . We describe the water-based balance training program and a study protocol to evaluate its efficacy ( Trial registration number # NCT00708136 ) . Methods / Design The proposed water-based training program involves use of unpredictable , multi-directional perturbations in a group setting to evoke compensatory and volitional stepping responses . Perturbations are made by pushing slightly the subjects and by water turbulence , in 24 training sessions conducted over 12 weeks . Concurrent cognitive tasks during movement tasks are included . Principles of physical training and exercise including awareness , continuity , motivation , overload , periodicity , progression and specificity were used in the development of this novel program . Specific goals are to increase the speed of stepping responses and improve the postural control mechanism and physical functioning . A prospect i ve , r and omized , cross-over trial with concealed allocation , assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the water-based training program . A total of 36 community-dwelling adults ( age 65–88 ) with no recent history of instability or falling will be assigned to either the perturbation-based training or a control group ( no training ) . Voluntary step reaction times and postural stability using stabiliogram diffusion analysis will be tested before and after the 12 weeks of training . Discussion This study will determine whether a water-based balance training program that includes perturbation exercises , in a group setting , can improve speed of voluntary stepping responses and improve balance control . Results will help guide the development of more cost-effective interventions that can prevent the occurrence of falls 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 .