Impact of Aqua-Based Exercises on Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Happiness in Elderly Men
Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1779-SSRC
Authors
Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Purpose Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common joint diseases in old age and often is associated with loss and degradation of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation, pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and disability. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqua-based training on symptoms and happiness of elderly men with KOA.
Methods This study was included elderly male patients (mean age 71.47±4.55 years) with KOA attending the Physiotherapy Department, Arad, Rasht in 2021. The sample was selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (20 in each group). Participants in the aquatic exercise group performed aqua-based activities for 6 weeks (three 60-minute sessions per week), and the control group underwent no intervention. Each training session lasted 50 min, including a 10-minute warm-up, 20-minute strength and endurance exercises, 5-min balance exercises, 10-minute stretching exercises, and a 5-minute cooldown. We assessed pain, stiffness, and physical function, as well as happiness, at the baseline and the end of the 6 weeks.
Results Results revealed that all symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and physical function significantly improved in the experimental group, compared to the control (p<0.001). Furthermore, happiness score significantly increased after 6 weeks of aquatic exercise (p<0.001).
Conclusion It can be concluded that aquatic exercise has a beneficial effect on KOA symptoms and happiness values of elderly men. Therefore, it is suggested that aqua-based exercises could be added as a valuable intervention to elderly men's daily programs to improve pain, physical function, and quality of life.
Methods This study was included elderly male patients (mean age 71.47±4.55 years) with KOA attending the Physiotherapy Department, Arad, Rasht in 2021. The sample was selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (20 in each group). Participants in the aquatic exercise group performed aqua-based activities for 6 weeks (three 60-minute sessions per week), and the control group underwent no intervention. Each training session lasted 50 min, including a 10-minute warm-up, 20-minute strength and endurance exercises, 5-min balance exercises, 10-minute stretching exercises, and a 5-minute cooldown. We assessed pain, stiffness, and physical function, as well as happiness, at the baseline and the end of the 6 weeks.
Results Results revealed that all symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and physical function significantly improved in the experimental group, compared to the control (p<0.001). Furthermore, happiness score significantly increased after 6 weeks of aquatic exercise (p<0.001).
Conclusion It can be concluded that aquatic exercise has a beneficial effect on KOA symptoms and happiness values of elderly men. Therefore, it is suggested that aqua-based exercises could be added as a valuable intervention to elderly men's daily programs to improve pain, physical function, and quality of life.
Keywords