EFFICACY OF AQUATIC PHYSIOTHERAPY IN IMPROVING BALANCE AND PREVENTING FALLS IN THE ELDERLY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Population aging has increased significantly in recent decades, bringing with it several challenges to public health, including the high incidence of falls among the elderly. These occurrences are frequently associated with physiological changes of aging, such as loss of muscle strength, decreased balance, and impaired functional mobility. In this context, aquatic physiotherapy has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for promoting health and preventing falls in this population. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of aquatic physiotherapy in improving balance and preventing falls in elderly individuals, through an integrative literature review. The research was conducted using the PubMed, PEDro, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane databases, considering articles published between 2010 and 2025. The results demonstrated that aquatic exercise programs significantly improve balance, functional mobility, and postural control, contributing to muscle strengthening and reducing the risk of falls. In conclusion, aquatic physiotherapy represents an important therapeutic strategy for promoting autonomy, functionality, and quality of life in older adults.