The Impact of Aquatic Exercises on Physical and Mental Health of the Elderly

Authors

    Amir Taherkhani PhD student in Sports Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
    Sayed Abbas Biniaz * Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran abbas.biniaz1351@gmail.com
    Mehdi Naderinasab Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran

Keywords:

Aquatic exercises, elderly, physical health, mental health, rehabilitation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of aquatic exercises on the physical and mental health of the elderly. This descriptive review study was conducted by analyzing articles published between 2014 and 2024. Data were collected from reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID. Inclusion criteria included articles focusing on the effects of aquatic exercises on the elderly, published in Persian and English. Data were analyzed qualitatively and comparatively. The results showed that aquatic exercises significantly reduce chronic pain, improve balance and range of motion, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly. These exercises also significantly enhance sleep quality and life satisfaction. Comparisons with other exercise methods revealed that aquatic exercises are more effective in reducing fall risk and improving motor functions. Aquatic exercises can be considered one of the most effective methods for enhancing the physical and mental health of the elderly. The unique features of the aquatic environment, such as reduced joint pressure and increased safety, make it an ideal option for prevention and rehabilitation in this age group. Expanding access to aquatic exercise facilities and raising awareness about their benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for the elderly.

References

Almeida, L. D., Clara, D. G., Pessanha, I. E. M., Monteiro, a. F., & Chicayban, L. M. (2021). Benefits of Hydrotherapy in Fibromyalgia Patients. https://doi.org/10.25242/8868113820212396

Amelia, A. T., Fatimah, N., & Dwiwulandari, M. D. (2021). The Effect of Hydrotherapy Exercise on Pain Intensity and Functional Ability in Genu Osteoarthritis Patients. Archives of the Medicine and Case Reports, 1(2), 58-66. https://doi.org/10.37275/amcr.v1i2.11

Auza-Santivañez, J. C. (2023). Improvements in Functionality and Quality of Life After Aquatic Therapy in Stroke Survivors. AG Salud, 1, 15. https://doi.org/10.62486/agsalud202315

Backes, R., Gauer, A. P. M., Jahnel, É. L., & Azzi, V. J. B. (2022). Women's Perception About Hydrotherapy in Postmenopause: A Qualitative Study. Fisioterapia Em Movimento, 35(spe). https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2022.356015

Bairaktaridou, A., Lytras, D., Kottaras, A., Iakovidis, P., Chatziprodromidou, I. P., & Moutaftsis, K. (2021). The Effect of Hydrotherapy on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Children and Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy. International Journal of Advanced Research in Medicine, 3(2), 21-24. https://doi.org/10.22271/27069567.2021.v3.i2a.211

Campo, A. R., Pacichana-Quinayáz, S. G., Bonilla-Escobar, F. J., Leiva, L. M., Sánchez, M. A. T., Hernández-Orobio, O. M., Arango-Hoyos, G.-P., & Mujanovic, A. (2022). Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy on Neuropathic Pain and Pain Catastrophization in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Pilot Trial Study. Jmir Research Protocols, 11(4), e37255. https://doi.org/10.2196/37255

Carere, A., & Orr, R. M. (2016). The Impact of Hydrotherapy on a Patient’s Perceived Well-Being: A Critical Review of the Literature. Physical Therapy Reviews, 21(2), 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2016.1228510

Christakou, Α., & Boulnta, F. (2020). The Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. Physiotherapy Quarterly, 28(3), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.5114/pq.2020.95772

Dabou, E. R. (2023). Classical Hydrotherapy Versus Ultrasonic Hydrotherapy in a Partial-Thickness Burned Patient: Comparative Study. Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal, 0(0), 0-0. https://doi.org/10.21608/asnj.2023.199995.1544

Groef, A. D., Gebruers, A., Geraerts, I., Peers, K., Caluwé, K., Wildiers, H., & Devoogdt, N. (2023). The Added Value of Supervised Hydrotherapy Sessions to a 12-Week Exercise Program After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Three-Arm Pseudo-Randomized Pilot Study. Balneo and PRM Research Journal, 14(Vol.14, no.1), 540. https://doi.org/10.12680/balneo.2023.540

Hägglund, E., Hagerman, I., Dencker, K., & Strömberg, A. (2017). Effects of Yoga Versus Hydrotherapy Training on Health-Related Quality of Life and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Study. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 16(5), 381-389. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515117690297

Hudáková, A. (2021). Seniors and Their Quality of Life. Nursing & Healthcare International Journal, 5(3), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.23880/nhij-16000241

Ihza, A. A. N. (2021). Literature Review: The Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping and Hydrotherapy in Improving the Quality of Life of the Elderly With Osteoarthritis. Gaster | Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan, 19(2), 195. https://doi.org/10.30787/gaster.v19i2.730

Iłżecka, J. (2019). Hydrotherapy in Nervous System Diseases. Pedagogy and Psychology of Sport, 5(1), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.12775/pps.2015.05.01.005

Jinjwaria, R. K. (2023). Evaluate the Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy Versus Land-Based Exercises Outcome on Pain and Quality of Life Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Clinical Trials, 10(3), 213-217. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20232193

Khruakhorn, S., & Chiwarakranon, S. (2021). Effects of Hydrotherapy and Land-Based Exercise on Mobility and Quality of Life in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 33(4), 375-383. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.33.375

Koroglu, S. (2024). Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy and Balneotherapy for Anxiety and Depression Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis. Current Psychology, 43(29), 24193-24204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06062-w

Liu, Z. (2023). Long-Term Efficacy of Hydrotherapy on Balance Function in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1320240

Mao, S. (2023). The Impact of Hot Spring Hydrotherapy on Pain Perception and Dysfunction Severity in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Pain Research, Volume 16, 3925-3944. https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s438744

Mayasari, D. I. (2024). Efek Hidroterapi Terhadap Lansia Dengan Hipertensi Di Klinik Pratama Rawat Inap Graha Amanah. Nursing Sciences Journal, 8(2), 95-104. https://doi.org/10.30737/nsj.v8i2.6057

Oliveira, E. R. d. (2024). Os Benefícios Da Hidroterapia No Desenvolvimento Biopsicomotor De Crianças Com Transtorno De Espectro Autista (Tea): Revisão De Literatura. Revft, 29(140), 08-09. https://doi.org/10.69849/revistaft/ni10202411251408

Pourghane, P. (2017). Elderly Women’s Experience of the Role of Hydrotherapy in Health: Content Analysis. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2017.2770

Putra, E. N. (2024). Effectiveness of Foot Exercises Together With the Hydrotherapy Program on Blood Sugar Levels in Elderly People Without Diabetes. Medica Hospitalia Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(1), 53-57. https://doi.org/10.36408/mhjcm.v11i1.999

Rodrigues, I. F., Gabriel Costa do Nascimento, F., Oliveira, M. M. d., Renata Emanuela Lyra de Brito, A., Martins, W. K. N., Lemos, M. T. M., & Oliveira, E. A. d. (2020). Impacto Da Hidroterapia Na Qualidade De Vida De Mulheres Menopáusicas. Research Society and Development, 9(8), e62985292. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i8.5292

Zhuo, Y., Yu, R., Wu, C., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Hydrotherapy Intervention for Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin, 31(03), 170-176. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1368-6429

Downloads

Published

2025-02-08

Submitted

2024-10-18

Revised

2024-11-28

Accepted

2025-02-04

How to Cite

The Impact of Aquatic Exercises on Physical and Mental Health of the Elderly. (2025). Longevity, 2(4), 93-111. https://quarterlylongevity.com/index.php/longevity/article/view/40

Similar Articles

1-10 of 40

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.