Effects of 8 Weeks Water Cure with Aquatic Devices on Static Balance and Velocity of Gait among Elderly Men

Abstract

Background: Aging is a stage of life that increases the risk of physical diseases, some of which are chronic and can affect different dimensions of life’s quality. Hydrotherapy is used to treat rheumatic, orthopedic and neurological disorders. It has been the subject of investigations regarding balance and gating recovery in elderly people. Objective: To evaluate the effect 8 weeks water cure program with aquatic devices on static balance and velocity of gait in elderly men. Methods: Fifteen old men were chosen purposely by age mean and Std 58±6.5, length 167.12±7.35 cm, weight 75.64±7.64. . We used the Sharpened Romberg test (static balance with eyes open and close) and Timed Up & Go (for evaluating velocity of gait). we used a selected program in water with aquatic devices in 8 weeks. Water exercise session included of three parts warm up, main part of exercise, and cool down. we analyzed the achieved data by a correlated t-test at a meaningful level (p≤0.05). Results: Among the post-test and pre-test Romberg test ( p≤013) and the velocity of gait (p≤005) were recovered meaningfully after the program.Conclusions: The results showed that participating in an exercise in water program with aquatic devices on a regular basis can be considered as an effective and reliable method to increase balance, and it can promote quality and velocity of gait among these aged men.