Effects of Hydrotherapy on The Elderly's Gait and Balance Motor Neuron Disease Patients

Abstract

A degenerative neurological disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD) gradually diminishes one's ability to walk normally and maintain one's balance. Therefore, PD increases the risk of falls and decreases quality of life in older individuals. One promising approach to these problems is aquatic therapy, which takes advantage of the physical properties of water to encourage and resist movement. Can elderly adults with Parkinson's disease improve their gait and balance through water therapy? Individuals took part in a twelve-week organized aquatic treatment program as part of a randomised controlled trial. Functional mobility, gait speed, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. Results show that swimming therapy significantly improves balance, decreases gait asymmetry, increases mobility, and boosts confidence in doing daily tasks. Resistance training enhances muscular power and coordination, while being buoyant in water lessens the likelihood of falling. Water therapy is a safe and effective addition to traditional rehabilitation for improving gait and balance in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease.