Effect of hydrotherapy on static and dynamic balance in older adults: comparison of perturbed and non-perturbed programs

Falling is a main cause of mortality in elderly. Balance training exercises can help to prevent falls in older adults. According to the principle of specificity of training، the perturbation-based trainings are more similar to the real world. So these training programs can improve balance in elderly. Furthermore، exercising in an aquatic environment can reduce the limitations for balance training rather than a non-aquatic on. The aim of this study is comparing the effectiveness of perturbed and non-perturbed balance training programs in water on static and dynamic balance in aforementioned population group. Methods and Materials: 37 old women (age 80-65)، were randomized to the following groups: perturbation-based training (n=12)، non-perturbation-based training (n=12) and control (n=13) groups. Static and dynamic balance had been tested before and after the eight weeks of training by the postural stability test of the Biodex balance system using dynamic (level 4) and static platform. The data were analyzed by one sample paired t-test، Independent t- test and ANOVA. There was a significant improvement for all indexes of static and dynamic balance in perturbation-based training (p<0/05). However، in non-perturbed group، all indexes were improved except ML (p>0/05). ANOVA showed that perturbed training was more effective than non-perturbed training on both static and dynamic balances. The findings confirmed the specificity principle of training. Although balance training can improve balance abilities، these kinds of trainings are not such specific for improving balance neuromuscular activities. The perturbation-based trainings can activate postural compensatory responses and reduce falling risk. According to results، we can conclude that hydrotherapy especially with perturbation-based programs will be useful for rehabilitation interventions in elderly.