EFFECT OF HYDROTHERAPY ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, QUALITY OF LIFE AND BALANCE IN THE ELDERLY.
Abstract
Introduction: Aging is a physiological consequence of the human organism, whose main characteristics are loss of function, inactivity and independence. It is already known that prevention is the best choice for the elderly population and hydrotherapy appears as an excellent alternative for this purpose, considering all the benefits of water as well as the great adhesion and pleasure in performing activities in the aquatic environment by the seniors. Objective: This project aimed to verify the effects of hydrotherapy on the improvement of the functional capacity, quality of life and balance of the elderly in the community. Methodology: Fifteen elderly residents of the community were assisted in the hydrotherapy sector of Unilavras. As outcomes, pain was assessed through the visual analogue pain scale, functional capacity through the AIVD scale, balance through the Berg scale and TUG, and quality of life through the SF-36 questionnaire. The elderly were submitted to thirty-two hydrotherapy sessions twice a week for fifty minutes. The outcomes will be assessed pre- and post-treatment protocol. Results: The risk of falls assessed by the TUG test was reduced from 11.23 seconds to 10.21 seconds. Autonomy in activities of daily living improved, but the results were not significant, going from 24.6 points to 26.2 points after treatment. Pain and balance significantly improved after hydrotherapy sessions. Conclusion: Hydrotherapy was effective in improving pain and balance in the elderlyAttribution License that allows the sharing of the manuscript with acknowledgment of authorship and initial publication in this magazine.
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