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Symposium

Aging Research & Geriatric Rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Harnessing Waves of Wellness: Benefits of Aquatic Exercise for Aging Adults' Cardiometabolic Health, Cognitive Ability, and Functional Mobility 9587

Friday, November 1, 2024
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM  
Location:  ROOM: Obelisk A REGION: Atrium II Mezzanine Level >>> DIRECTIONS: Exit Atrium Elevators. Take a right and proceed down the corridor. Continue past the escalators and the row of rooms on your left. At the end of the row of rooms, turn down the corridor on the right. Obelisk A is the first room on the left. If coming from the Tower Mezzanine, from the Tower Elevators, turn right. Proceed down the stairs and take the first corridor on your left. Obelisk A is the first room on the left.

Addressing the complexities of aging is paramount for rehabilitation professionals. Studies reveal 40% of older adults face cognitive deficits. Aging introduces challenges such as declining gait velocity and balance issues, which worsen with cognitive decline and increase the risk of falls. Weight gain and arthritic pain further hinder exercise, promoting a sedentary lifestyle. Enter the aquatic environment—a solution to exercise challenges. Immersion reduces joint impact, easing the fear of falling. Chest-level immersion boosts cerebral blood flow, potentially enhancing memory during water activities. Aquatic exercise, even at lower intensity, matches cerebral blood flow of higher-intensity land exercise. Research supports cognitive enhancement, improved cardiometabolic measures and greater functional mobility with habitual aquatic exercise. Our symposium explores effective aquatic integration, focusing on high intensity interval training and dual-task training. Join us for practical insights to revolutionize rehabilitation for older adults.

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Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the challenges faced by older individuals in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, including declines in cognition, gait velocity, balance issues, and diminished capacity for dual-tasking.
  • Explain physiological effects of water immersion and the benefits of the aquatic environment as it relates to exercise and rehabilitation.
  • Recognize the positive outcomes associated with aquatic exercise, including enhanced cognition, and improved cardiometabolic measures in older adults.
  • Explore the role of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cognitive-motor dual-task training in the aquatic environment as effective interventions for older adults.
  • Identify tips for implementing aquatic rehabilitation and wellness interventions for older adults in clinical settings.
Disclosure(s):
Emily Dunlap, PT, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Manny M.Y Kwok, PT, MSc: No financial relationships to disclose
Prashanth Gopal, MPT: No financial relationships to disclose
Caroline Barmatz, BPT, MHA: No financial relationships to disclose