As we age, our bones become weaker and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and other medical issues. To combat this, exercise is a key factor in maintaining healthy bones and preventing age-related bone loss. Aquatic exercise has become increasingly popular in recent years, and can be a great way for older adults to stay active. But does aquatic exercise actually help improve bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly? A recent systematic review and meta-analysis investigated this question and the results provide encouraging news.

The review included 18 studies which evaluated the effects of aquatic exercise on BMD in older adults. The results showed that there was a small to moderate increase in BMD in the lumbar spine, hip, and total body among participants who did aquatic exercise. This suggests that aquatic exercise can be a beneficial exercise modality for increasing BMD in the elderly population.

The authors suggest that the positive effect of aquatic exercise on BMD may be due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the resistance of the water helps to build muscle and strength, which in turn can increase BMD. Secondly, the buoyancy of the water helps to reduce strain on the joints, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable workout. Thirdly, the water temperature helps to relax the muscles and increase blood flow, which can also contribute to increased BMD.

The findings of this review provide important evidence for the potential benefits of aquatic exercise for older adults. Not only can aquatic exercise help to increase BMD, but it is also easy on the joints and can be enjoyable and relaxing. This makes it a great option for those who may not be able to tolerate more strenuous forms of exercise due to age or other factors.

It is important to note that the findings of this review should be taken with a grain of salt. While the results suggest that aquatic exercise may be beneficial for increasing BMD in the elderly, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Furthermore, aquatic exercise should always be done with the guidance of a qualified fitness professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that aquatic exercise may be a suitable exercise modality for increasing BMD in the elderly population. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, aquatic exercise can be a great option for older adults who may not be able to tolerate more strenuous forms of exercise.

Kumar, P., Mishra, K., Mishra, K., & Tripathi, A. (2021). The effect of aquatic exercise on bone mineral density in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.32209.89716