AB1361-HPR BENEFITS OF HYDROGINASTICA IN ELDERLY WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

Background The aging of the population has repercussions in several social sectors, among them health, with a view to increasing the frequency of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases. It is worth highlighting Osteoporosis, since it is associated with increased mortality and dependencies, becoming a growing public health problem. As a form of maintenance and prevention of osteoporosis it is indicated the performance of physical exercises, among them, the water gymnastics stands out. Objectives The study aimed to present and discuss studies on the benefits of water aerobics for the elderly with osteoporosis. Methods For the development of the present study a bibliographic research was carried out in the years 2010 to 2017 through searches in national and international journals indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs and Medline databases. The descriptors used were: Elderly, Aging Process, Hydrogeology, Aquatic Activity, Osteoporosis and Health Promotion in Portuguese, Spanish and English. The search period was between the months of February and March of 2017 and after selecting the articles, to extract the definitions about the theme, they were read. Results We can identify that water aerobics is a practice that addresses these benefits in the elderly with osteoporosis. Another aspect found in the studies is that water gymnastics provides the elderly with improved socio-affective relationships. Even considering the natural losses due to aging on some physical characteristics, water aerobics is an important exercise practice option. The activities in the aquatic environment are indicated for a considerable gain of muscular mass and reduction of the loss of the same one, aiding in the tonification of the musculature, the loss of fat and the increase of the resistance. For the elderly with osteoporosis this modality is a preventive aid that contributes to improve their quality of life. Among the studies found, one performed in Japan in the elderly with osteoporosis, found an increase in VO2max, flexibility and increased strength of hydrogymnastics participants; in Israel, the elderly women reduced the Muscle Mass Index and body fat. In Brazil, a study verified the improvement of functional capacity in elderly women practicing water aerobics. Water aerobics for the elderly has been gaining momentum and growing numbers of fans, so much so that in the last 10 years the popularity of exercise in the aquatic environment has increased significantly. Conclusion With the present study it can be verified that the hydroginastic presents numerous benefits for maintenance and prevention of osteoporosis in the elderly. Regular practice of water aerobics contributes to good body health, as well as providing physical and mental well-being and social interaction among its practitioners. This study may provide important health professionals with knowledge about the importance of encouraging and intensifying regular physical exercise, including hydrogymnastics, as one of the determinants of elderly health promotion.