gms | German Medical Science

Background: Nowadays many people are aged 65 years or more. In an elderly population preventive medicine has an important role [1], [2]. According to literature, hydrotherapy can help elderly to stay independent in activities of daily living, feel less pain, it is sucessful in lowering blood pressure and risk of falls, preventing depression, improving mood, sleep quality and quality of life [1], [2]. Risk of falls must be considered, as well as absolute and relative contraindications of eldely to participate in hytdrotherapy [1], [2], [3].

Aim: The aim was to find out if hydrotherapy is more appropriate form of exercise for elderly patients in comparison to land-based exercise.

Method: Review of the existing literature was made, which was found by electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDRO, COCHRANE and key words Hydrotherapy, Aquatherapy, Aqua Fitness, Elderly and Geriatry.

Results/findings: Hydrotherapy has more positive effects on pain, quality of sleep and life, risk of falls, weight, BMI, blood pressure, depression, mood, cognition, independence in daily life activities than land-based exercise in elderly, who can participate in it [2], [3].

Discussion and conclusions: Hydrotherapy has a positive influence on pain, quality of sleep and life, lowers risk of falls, weight and subsequently BMI, blood pressure, depression, improves mood, cognition, prolongs independence in daily life activities and is more appropriate form of exercise for elderly, who can participate in it.