ANÁLISE DA EFICÁCIA DA FISIOTERAPIA AQUÁTICA NOS PROCESSOS COGNITIVOS E MOTORES EM IDOSOS SEDENTÁRIOS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a universal process that brings about progressive biological, psychological, and social changes. The increase in life expectancy and the decrease in birth rates have driven a significant growth in the global and national elderly population. This scenario demands the formulation of public policies and the advancement of research focused on promoting active and healthy aging. The goal is to improve the quality of life and functionality of individuals, as well as their social adaptation to the challenges and opportunities of longevity. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic physical therapy and land-based interventions on the cognitive and motor functions of sedentary older adults, compared to a control group also composed of sedentary older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five older adults were randomly allocated to three groups: G1 (n=16), which underwent aquatic physical therapy sessions twice a week for 12 weeks; G2 (n=14), which participated in group recreational activities with cognitive stimulation; and G3 (n=15), a control group of sedentary older adults who maintained their baseline activities. Cognitive assessments included the Raven's Progressive Matrices and Colored Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Motor and mobility assessments involved the Timed Get Up and Go (TUG) test and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). All participants were evaluated at the start of the study (baseline) and after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: No significant effect was observed on the more complex variables of the WCST, suggesting that highly crystallized cognitive functions may require longer intervention periods to show significant changes. However, on the BBS, the intervention groups (aquatic and land-based) showed improved balance, while the control group showed a negative oscillation. In the TUG test, the groups were similar, with little variation over the three-month follow-up. Regarding the MMSE, the intervention groups showed an increase in scores, in contrast to a slight decrease in the control group. Finally, in the Raven's Matrices Test, the intervention groups also showed an increase in scores, while the control group remained stable.CONCLUSION: Physical therapy interventions, both land-based and aquatic, implemented for three months, resulted in improved mobility, balance, and cognition in older adults. Although statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the intervention modalities, both groups that underwent the exercise programs showed a clear trend of improvement compared to the control group.