The effect of a period of aquatic therapy exercise on the quality of life and depression in aged males suffering from chronic physical pains

Abstract

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 and the status of psychological factors in these patients. In addition to medical supports, it is essential to provide sport complexes in accordance with the physical and mental condition of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a period of aquatic therapy exercise on the quality of life and depression in aged males suffering from chronic physical pains.In a semi-experimental study, 30 aged males who voluntarily referred to Niyayesh health center of Shiraz were selected. They were randomly divided in to two groups; experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). Subjects of aquatic therapy exercise were involved in an 8-week-activity in water; 3 sessions per week each lasting approximately 50 to 70 minutes. At the same time, the control group was only followed-up and was not engaged in any exercise during this period. The variables of the quality of life and depression among the patients were measured by standard questionnaires in the beginning and end of the eight-week-aquatic therapy exercise.Results of this study showed that aquatic therapy exercise can be used as an effective and helpful method to promote public health in aged males suffering from chronic physical pains because it leads to the improvement of multi-dimensional variables of quality of life and depression in the patients.