Aquatic Verses Land Exercise to Decrease Fall Risk

Background and Purpose: Fall prevention through exercise is an ongoing goal of researchers and clinicians. This study compared the effects of aquatic exercise (AE), land exercise (LE) and no exercise (NE) on fall risk factors. Subjects: Seventy-three women, 60 or older, with osteoporosis (OP). Method: Randomized clinical trial comparing balance, posture, strength, mobility, function, falls, and quality of life. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found for participants' ratings of global change (AE and LE > NE), tandem balance (AE > LE) and function (LE > AE). Joint pain and falls occurred more often during LE. Discussion and Conclusion: Participants experienced significant global improvement with both AE and LE. Less joint pain, reduced falls and improved balance were found in AE, however LE was more effective in improving functional ability at home. Clinicians should consider the individual's specific impairments and risk factors when recommending exercise programs on land or in water.

Inclusion criteria

• age 60 or older
• diagnosed with osteoporosis
• female

Exclusion criteria

• has not been involved in regular exercise in past 2 months
• does not have any medical or neurological condition that would significantly limit activities of daily living, such that involvement in an exercise program would jeopardize safety