Jornal de novas fisioterapias

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Hydrotherapy in the Elderly: A Review of the Literature

Golež A

Introduction: Nowadays many people are aged 65 years or more. In an elderly population preventive medicine has an important role. According to the literature, hydrotherapy can help the elderly to stay independent in daily living tasks, feel less pain and maintain more muscle strength, and it is successful in reducing the risk of falls and improving the quality of life. Absolute and relative contraindications, features of thermal water, and risk of falls must be considered to prevent complications.
Methods: A review of the literature was made with the help of MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDRO and COCHRANE and key words Hydrotherapy, Aquatherapy, Aqua Fitness, Elderly and Geriatry. Six appropriate articles in the English language were found.
Discussion and Conclusions: Hydrotherapy and other exercise programmes have a positive influence on pain, muscle strength and quality of life in elderly people who can participate in them.