Hydrotherapy for Fall Prevention In Elderly Individuals

Abstract

Falls and fall-related injuries of elderly individuals are an important health problem that threatens their lives. Particularly, regressions related to aging in postural control and challenging dual tasks cause falls. It has been reported that physical training and exercises related to balance are effective in reducing falls in elderly individuals. However, there are inherent difficulties for the elderly in making these exercises effective. Especially as the number of chronic diseases increases, this difficulty increases even more. For this reason, it is important to create alternative methods for performing exercises that increase balance in a more effective and safe environment. As one of these alternatives, hydrotherapy can play a fall-preventing role for elderly individuals with the properties of water that support the balance. With the reduction of the fear of falling in water, the motivation of elderly individuals to exercise may increase. They may also feel more confident when performing balance, motor, and cognitive tasks. With hydrotherapy; It is also possible to provide biomechanical and psychological well-being by making use of the buoyancy, resistance and temperature properties of water. Hydrotherapy and balance training protocols tailored to the individual needs of the elderly population are seen as an effective approach in preventing falls.