Comparing the Effects of Resistance and Hydrotherapic Exercises on Reaction Time and Balance in the Elderly suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment

Falls have dangerous consequences, high prevalence, long-term effects, and significant costs among the elderly. The present study aimed at determining the effect of resistance and hydrotherapic exercises and on the balance and reaction time in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

The present study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest one with a control group. From among women with mild cognitive impairment referring to medical centers in Kermanshah in the spring of 2019, as many as 30 people were selected by using random convenience sampling. They were then randomly assigned into two groups i.e. experimental and a control (10 samples in each group). The experimental groups practiced for 8 weeks (3 sessions a week, each session lasting 40 minutes). Static balance was measured by using with both open and closed eyes and applying the Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT) and dynamic balance was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test(TUG) before and after the training period. Simple and selective reaction times were measured as well. The data were analyzed by analysis of covariance and paired t-test.

The difference between pre-test and post-test scores was not significant for the variables of static balance with open eyes, dynamic balance and simple reaction time. The difference between these scores was significant for Sharpened Romberg Test with closed eye; static balance and evaluation of selective reaction time was significant (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between post-test and pre-test scores (except for dynamic balance) in the intervention groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment methods.

Given the effectiveness of resistance exercises and hydrotherapy, these methods can be used as effective therapies by physiotherapists to improve the balance and selective reaction time among the elderly suffering from mild cognitive impairment.