NOVO PROTOCOLO DE HIDROTERAPIA NA RECUPERAÇÃO DO EQUILÍBRIO E PREVENÇÃO DE QUEDAS EM IDOSAS

Abstract

Introduction: The physiological changes resulting from the ageing process cause balance deficit and consequent increase of falls risk, being more frequent in the female. It is known that exercises increase balance and prevent falls. The hydrotherapy characterized by the effect of exercise combined with the physical principles of water allows the execution of complex exercises for balance training. Objectives: To study and to evaluate the effect of a new hydrotherapy protocol on balance and risk of falls in older women. Methodology: This is an experimental study of stimulation effect type. Twenty five older women completed the study, with a mean age of 72.60 ± 7.11 years. The physiotherapic evaluation consisted of descriptive data collection, and application of two scales: Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up & Go, which were applied before the beginning of the treatment initial evaluation, after 06 weeks and after 12 weeks. Twenty four sessions were conducted, being two sessions per week, each session lasting 40 minutes. The hydrotherapy protocol consisted of 14 exercises focusing breathe control, stretching and dynamic and static exercises for balance training, from low to moderate intensity. Data analysis: The data were analyzed statistically through the paired-t test and the Wilcoxon test, using the Minitab software. The significance level adopted was a=0.01. Results: The Berg Balance Scale showed an increase in balance of 16.37% and a reduction in falls risk of 41.13 percent points. On the Timed Up & Go test, a reduction in test execution time was observed, evidencing an increase in balance of 30.90% at the end of 12 weeks of hydrotherapy, and also reduction in the risk of falls. The results obtained were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that the new hydrotherapy protocol increases balance and reduces falls risk in older women.