Effect of aquatic endurance training program on static and dynamic balance and lower limb strength in healthy elderly male veterans

The elderly are prone to balance disorder، falling and can lead to، loss of independence and early death. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of aquatic endurance training program on static and dynamic balance and lower limb strength in healthy elderly men. This semi-experimental study involved a 2-group (aquatic training & control group) with pretest-posttest design. Subjects were 19 elderly men (60-70 years old)، which were members of the retired military Association in Karaj-Iran. The aquatic training group participated in a 6-week، (twice a week) aerobic and muscle endurance exercise program in pool. During this period، individuals in control group did not receive any intervention. Static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength were measured by single limb support time with eyes opened and closed، get up and go test and senior chair stand test before and after training period. The paired sample t-test was used to compare pre & post-test results and independent sample t-test was used in order to compare two groups. The results indicated that the static balance with open and closed eyes، dynamic balance، and muscle strength) improved significantly in aquatic group (P < 0. 05)، but no significant change was found in control group (P > 0. 05). Although، at pre-test there was no significant differences between control and training group (P > 0. 05)، but significant differences were identified in progress results between two groups (P < 0. 05). According to the results of the study، it seems that the aquatic aerobic and muscle endurance training program could be recommended for balance improvement in healthy elderly men.