O efeito da fisioterapia aquática em idosos da comunidade sobre o equilíbrio, força e flexibilidade muscular, qualidade de vida e capacidade física

Abstract

Ageing can be understood as a progressive and dynamic process, which involves functional, structural, biochemical and morphological changes. One of resourse used to promote the characteristic cited is the practice of physical activity. It is recommended, in the literature, that physical activity throughout life can mitigate osseous and muscular loss, decrease the risk of fracture, improving the quality of life, promote increased muscle strength, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, balance, and reduce the risk of falls. The aquatic physiotherapy is a therapeutic method that uses the physical principles of water together with kinesiotherapy and seems to be the ideal activity to prevent, maintain, slow, improve or treat physical dysfunction characteristic of aging. Once, the goal is to assess the effects of aquatic therapy in the elderly in the community on muscle strength and flexibility, balance, functional capacity and quality of life through a literature review. The search was conducted in the databases PEDro, PubMed and BIREME (Lilacs) and 13 articles frame within the criteria. According to studies, aquatic physiotherapy provided benefits on the static and dynamic balance, muscle strength and flexibility, quality of life and functional capacity, promoting independence and facilitating these seniors' ability to perform these ADL.