ABSTRACT
Hydrogymnastics is a physical activity that can help elderly in the prevention of function losses as postural balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a hydrogymnastics program with focus on moving dynamic exercises on the body balance of elderly. The sample was split into two groups: experimental group (EG) (n=27, age=67.33±5.33 years) and control group (CG) (n=10, age=67.74±7.24 years). EG took part in 50 minute-long hydrogymnastics classes twice a week, for 16 weeks. Postural balance was measured by the behavior of the Center of Pressure (COP) using a force platform, it was observed, in the results, a better performance in total movement and in the anteroposterior width in the EG when compared to the CG. Also after the intervention period, the CG showed a significant increase in the COP area. It was concluded that, hydrogymnastics practice, with emphasis on exercises with different movement possibilities, can significantly alter the postural balance rates.
Keywords
Elderly; Postural Balance; Exercise Therapy