EFEITOS DO HALLIWICK SOBRE A QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM IDOSOS ATIVOS.

Abstract

Quality of life can vary in perceived health status, social participation and autonomy during the aging process. The functional impairment in the elderly can be minimized by promoting health through physical exercise. The hydrotherapy held in heated water can promote benefits by virtue of the physical properties of water, physiological effects of immersion and systematic progress of the exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Halliwick on the quality of life in active elderly. Quasiexperimental study of pre- and post-attended by 12 elderly enrolled in the waiting list, awaiting care in an Educational Association. All seniors were submitted individually to the questionnaire WHOQOL Bref and hydrotherapy Protocol, held in groups of six elderly, based on the Halliwick method in 24 sessions held twice a week on fixed days, with sessions of 40 minutes in length, made in heated pool. To evaluate the data were used the program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0, Excel Office 2013 and the paired Wilcoxon test. Results: In this study, we had the participation of 12 elderly aged 70.67 (± 6.49 years), 10 women, married (41.66%), with low education, retired with an extra financial activity (58, 3%), most reported monthly income of up to two minimum salaries. After the accession of hydrotherapy, some of the participants got improved quality of life in three areas, prevailing an increase in the field environment, which is related to physical security and protection; health and social care; opportunity to acquire new skills; participation and opportunity for recreation and leisure. The pattern of scores showed a reduced impact on the protocol proposed effects of hydrotherapy on quality of life. However favored the elderly a brief physical and psychological restructuring, management of their health condition and self-care, that are conducive to well-being and quality of life.