Háskólinn í ReykjavíkReykjavik UniversityVakula, Michael N.Waller, BenjaminBressel, EadricKim, Youngwook2020-11-032020-11-032020-08-25Kim, Y., Vakula, M.N., Waller, B. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effect of aquatic and land exercise on dynamic balance in older adults. BMC Geriatr 20, 302 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01702-91471-2318 (eISSN)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/2158Publisher's version (útgefin grein)Abstract Background: Balance impairments are the leading causes of falls in older adults. Aquatic-based exercises have been broadly practiced as an alternative to land-based exercises; however, the effects on dynamic balance have not been comprehensively reviewed and compared to land exercises. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of aquatic exercises (AE) to land exercises (LE) on dynamic balance in older adults. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, psycINFO), from inception to November 2019, were searched. Studies met the following eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials, English language, older adults aged 65 years or older, a minimum of one AE and LE group, at least one assessment for dynamic balance. For the meta-analysis, the effect sizes of dynamic balance outcomes were calculated using a standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 11 trials met the inclusion criteria, and 10 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis presented that older adults in AE groups demonstrated comparable enhancements in dynamic steady-state balance (SMD =−0.24; 95% CI,−.81 to .34), proactive balance (SMD =−0.21; 95% CI,−.59 to .17), and balance test batteries (SMD =−0.24; 95% CI,−.50 to .03) compared with those in LE groups. Conclusions: AE and LE have comparable impacts on dynamic balance in older adults aged 65 years or older. Thus, this review provides evidence that AE can be utilized as a reasonable alternative to LE to improve dynamic balance and possibly reduce the risk of falls.302eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessGeriatrics and GerontologyOlder adultsSeniorsAquatic exerciseAquatic therapyBalanceDynamic balanceFallsFall preventionÖldrunarlækningarÖldrunarfræðiAldraðirVatnsleikfimiJafnvægiinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleBMC Geriatrics10.1186/s12877-020-01702-9