Effects of aquatic therapy on balance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key summary pointsAim This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on balance among older adults. Findings Aquatic therapy can improve balance ability in geriatric population compared to controls. Message Aquatic therapy can be considered as an effective intervention for rehabilitation programs in geriatric populations. Purpose Balance is a key component of movement for daily activities, especially in older adults. Previous studies examining aquatic therapy as an effective way for improving balance have yielded inconsistent findings. The current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on balance among older adults. Methods Sources include Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus. Randomized controlled or cross-over trials published by Feb 2020 were included following pre-determined search and selection criteria. Data extraction was performed by two researchers independently using a pre-determined data extraction form. Methodological quality was assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale which was used to rate trials according to criteria such as concealed allocation, blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Furthermore, meta-analysis was conducted where possible. This review was registered at PROSPERO CRD42018118382. Results Fifteen trials with 385 healthy participants aged 50 or over were included. Results showed that aquatic therapy had a significant effect on dynamic balance (SMD, - 1.13; 95% CI, [- 1.45 to (- 0.82)]; I-2 = 77%). The analysis indicated that aquatic therapy improved balance ability compared to controls. Conclusions Aquatic therapy has a positive impact on dynamic balance in older adults. However, further high-quality and appropriately powered studies are required to confirm this assertion.