Effects of an aquatic versus non-aquatic respiratory exercise program on the quality of life in healthy aged persons / Efeitos de programas de exercícios respiratórios aquáticos versus não-aquáticos sobre a qualidade de vida de pessoas idosas saudáveis

ABSTRACT

Background: Aging process is growing in the world. Exercise improves well-being and auto-esteem of aged people by many factors, leading to QOL (quality of life) improve. This study intended to assess the effects of a respiratory exercise program developed in two ways - aquatic and non-aquatic - in the QOL of aged persons. Methods: fifty-nine volunteers between 60 and 65 years were randomized into 3 groups. G1 underwent a program of aquatic respiratory exercises. G2 participated in the same program, but out of the water. G3 did not undergo an exercise program, acting as the control. All volunteers answered SF-36 generic questionnaire to measure QOL. At the end of the program, subjects were assessed once again, with the same questionnaire. Individual results were compared to each subject before and after the program. Average group results were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences among experimental groups. However, physical and emotional aspect responses showed p-values close to the critical point (p= .059 and .054, respectively). Conclusions: Aquatic respiratory exercises seem to improve functional and emotional aspect of aged subjects. However, it does not seen to affect the other SF-36 aspects. Studies with higher intervention time are recommended to get definitive conclusions about it.