Effects of deep water running in older adults. A Systematic review

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of deep water running in older adults according to the collected and analyzed research papers published in the period from 1990 to 2011. Methods: The following research bases have been used for the collection of research papers in which DWR was used as a form of exercise in water: Medline, Google schoolar, PEDro-Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science and Sportdiscus. While searching the bases of data the following key words were used:" deep water running", " deep water run", "deep water walking" and " aqua jogging". The obtained titles of research papers, abstracts and whole texts were then read and analyzed by two independent reviewers. Results: Out of all analyzed research papers, the 10 papers met the established criteria: research must be a longitudinal study and the upper age limit of examinees must be 60 years of age and older. According to this review, a small number of collected papers (10) reflect a deficit of information in the scientific research regarding deep water running of older adults. Conclusion: Despite the fact that is a substantial lack of this research, the analyzed studies show that deep water running produces physiological responses necessary for improving health, reducing pain and normal functioning in doing everyday activities in life of older adults.