Effect of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy, and oxidative damages in diabetes elderly individuals

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy, and oxidative dysfunction in elderly with DM2. A total of 104 elderly were included in the longitudinal clinical study and were attributed to the diabetes group (n = 30) and the non-diabetic group (n = 29). Both groups were involved in the aquatic exercise (nine exercises; 3 sets x 1-minute duration each; linear intensity and frequency measured twice a week) for 12 weeks. The assessments of mental health, functional autonomy, and oxidative dysfunction were done. All results were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks later. The values of the following variable scores decreased in the DM2 group after participation in the aquatic exercise: depression (−56 ± 2 scores; 57%), anxiety (−8.2 ± 2 scores; 41%), stress (−3.1 ± 0.3 scores; 32%), and sleep (−3. 7 ± 1.3 points; 51%); an improvement in Berg scores was observed (+53.1 ± 2 points; 8%), Tug tests (−6.1 ± 0.7 points; 25%), carbonyl groups (−0.048 ± 0.01 nnmol/mg/protein; 49%), and total thiol (+0.33 ± 0.08 nnmol/mg/protein; 83%). We have concluded that a linear intensity aquatic exercise program improves mental health, functional autonomy, and oxidative dysfunction in elderly with DM2.

KEYWORDS:

• Anxiety
• depression
• exercise aquatic
• functional mobility

Acknowledgments

The authors thank especially all the participants who made this project possible.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a scholarship from the Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. This study would not have been possible without the dedication of students of scientific initiation of the undergraduate course of physical education and psychology of the local University and the students and elderly residents of Criciúma/SC.