Waterworks

Physical and functional implications of aquatic exercise for nursing home residents with dementia

“…This work compliments previous evidence that aquatic exercise can have important psychological and behavioral implications for institutionalized adults with dementia. 11,27 While in the present study, grip strength was the only variable to achieve a statistical improvement, a number of other variables did display small to moderate effect sizes. 28 While delivery challenges exist, this work shows that aquatic exercise is feasible and can be delivered safely to the target population of nursing home adults with advanced physical and cognitive disability.…”

“…Importantly, participants always appeared happy and laughing while participating, which supports previous reduced behavioral symptoms evidence. 11,27 A reliability analysis of measures undertaken as part of the study design indicated that not all measures were appropriate for this population. Observations during the test-retest process show that the limitations in functional capacity were not always the primary factor, but that the cognitive translation of protocols to implementation also plays a part in test reproducibility.…”

“…10,11 For adults without dementia, there is good evidence that with water based exercise individuals can reduced the symptoms of lower limb osteoarthritis, 12 as well as benefits extending to those with cardiovascular disease and to improved strength and balance. 13e15 For many older adults swimming activity holds significant familiarity, which for those with dementia may be an important key to the positive behavioral outcomes that follow, as well as playing an important role in the motivation to participate.…”