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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Does aquatic exercise improve commonly reported predisposing risk factors to falls within the elderly? A systematic review

Authors: Eduardo Martínez-Carbonell Guillamón, Louise Burgess, Tikki Immins, Andrés Martínez-Almagro Andreo, Thomas W. Wainwright

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

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. Electronic databases and reference lists of pertinent articles published between 2005 and 2018 were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that directly or indirectly addressed the effect of aquatic exercise for the prevention of falls in healthy participants were included within the synthesis. Studies were included if they were reported between January 2005 and May 2018 within a population aged between 60 and 90 years old that were without exercise-effecting comorbidities. Data related to participant demographics, study design, methodology, interventions and outcomes was extracted by one reviewer. Methodological quality assessment was independently performed by two reviewers using the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale.

Results

Fourteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Exercise intervention duration and frequency varied from 2 to 24 weeks, from 2 to 3 times per week, from 40 to 90 min per session. Fall rate was not reported in any of the studies analysed. 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. Although the evidence is limited, and many interventions are not well described, these results should be considered by health and exercise professionals when making evidence-based, clinical decisions regarding training programmes to reduce the risk of falling.
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Metadata
Title
Does aquatic exercise improve commonly reported predisposing risk factors to falls within the elderly? A systematic review
Authors
Eduardo Martínez-Carbonell Guillamón
Louise Burgess
Tikki Immins
Andrés Martínez-Almagro Andreo
Thomas W. Wainwright
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1065-7

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