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Abstract
Postural balance in the elderly: efficacy of aquatic therapy
published in May - June 2017 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.3
Davide Savini, Virginia Colibazzi, Adriano Coladonato, Stefano Filippo Castiglia, Roberta Mollica, Emilio Romanini

Falls and the related injuries are the most important clinical issues in geriatric medicine, in view of the mortality, comorbidities and costs for the patient, family and society associated to them. Physical activity is a factor correlated to improved muscular strength, aerobic capacity and balance, and hence could have an indirect impact on reducing the risk of falls. However, there is a direct correlation between physical activity and the increased exposure to falls during the performance of exercise, and furthermore the fact of an increased perceived risk of falls by the elderly could represent a hindrance to adherence to exercise programs. Aquatic therapy, i.e. exercise in a water environment, may represent a valid alternative to the traditional rehabilitation programs, reducing the inherent risk of falls during performance of physical activity and placing the patient in an environment that facilitates the achievement of secondary outcomes, such as enhanced quality of life and reduction of musculoskeletal pain.