NCT07531017

The Effectiveness of Aquatherapy on Physical Performance and Fear of Falling in Geriatric Individuals With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of aquatherapy on physical performance, balance, and fear of falling in older adults with chronic low back pain. Participants aged 65 years and older with low back pain lasting longer than three months will be randomly assigned to either an Aquatherapy Group or a Conservative Treatment Group. The aquatherapy intervention will be conducted in a pool environment, utilizing the physical properties of water (buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure) to improve balance, trunk stability, and lower extremity strength. The conservative treatment group will receive standard land-based physiotherapy, including trunk stabilization, stretching, lower extremity strengthening, and balance exercises. Both groups will participate in supervised sessions three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Outcome measures will include balance assessed using a Biodex posturography system, physical performance evaluated by the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test, and fear of falling measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of aquatherapy as a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in reducing fall risk and improving functional outcomes in older adults with chronic low back pain.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Aquatherapy	Participants in the aquatherapy group will receive a structured, supervised exercise program conducted in a pool environment. The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with sessions performed three times per week, totaling 18 sessions. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes, including warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down phases. The program will utilize the physical properties of water, such as buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure, to improve balance (static and dynamic), trunk stability, and lower extremity strength.
OTHER	Conservative Treatment	Participants in the conservative treatment group will receive a structured, supervised land-based physiotherapy program for 6 weeks, three times per week, totaling 18 sessions. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes and will include exercises, stretching, lower extremity strengthening, and balance training aimed at improving physical function and postural control.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-06-01
• Completion: 2026-06-01
• First posted: 2026-04-15
• Last updated: 2026-04-15