Graca (2020) Immediate Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Balance in Older Adults with Upper Limb Dysfunction: An Exploratory Study

This study explores the immediate effects of a single aquatic therapy session on balance in older adults with upper limb dysfunction. It hypothesizes that functional test results would show significant change after one session. The intervention group underwent a 45-minute aquatic therapy, while the control group rested. Results showed non-significant improvements in pain, steps, reach, and balance for the intervention group, with no significant differences between groups over time. The study suggests that while aquatic therapy may offer benefits, a single session may not yield significant immediate effects.

Conclusions:

No significant immediate effects were found for one session of aquatic physiotherapy applied to patients older than 55 years with upper limb dysfunction. Keywords: single aquatic intervention; outcomes; functional performance

Keywords: single aquatic intervention; outcomes; functional performance