Assessment and Comparison the Effect of Exercise in Different Depth of Water On Postural Stability and Balance Recovery Strategies of Older People: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Aims Water exercise is one of the most important interventions to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. However, the effect of exercise in different depths of water has been less studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of 8 weeks aquatic exercise in shallow and deep parts of the pool on postural stability and balance recovery strategies of the elderly. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 45 elderly males (60-70 years old) were randomly selected and classified into a control and 2 intervention groups of shallow and deep-water exercises. The intervention groups participated in a water exercise program for 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Postural stability and balance recovery strategies of all groups before and after the intervention were evaluated using Biodex balance system and Motion Analysis system, respectively. Finally, the Mixed ANOVA test was used for data analysis(P≤0.05). Results The results showed a significant increase in postural stability after conducting both types of water exercise programs(P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between balance recovery strategies of all groups(P>0.05). The results also showed that there was no significant difference between the scores of two intervention groups(P>0.05). Conclusion In brief, it seems that both types of shallow and deep-water exercises can significantly improve the postural stability of the elderly. While these exercises cannot significantly change their balance recovery strategies. However, due to the more effective role of shallow water exercises in transferring balance strategies from the hip to ankle joint, it is recommended to pay more attention to the role of these exercises in improving the balance of older people.