Comparison of Neuromuscular and Aquatic Exercise Programs on Fall Risk and Physical Function in Geriatrics

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare neuromuscular and aquatic Exercise programs on fall risk and physical function in geriatrics. Methods: As a result of the power analysis (G-Power), 36 participants are planned to be included in this study Block randomization will be used to divide participants into 2 groups, each with at least 18 participants: Group 1 (NE Group) and Group 2 (AE Group) (Randomizer.org). NE (Neuromuscular Exercise) group will participate in a 12-week exercise program consisting of sensorimotor system training, postural stability and control, global and local joint stabilization, balance training, muscle strength, breathing, and functional movement patterns.AE (Aqıuatic Exercise) Group will participate in an aquatic exercise program, which includes warm-up, mobility and strength, stretching, and cooling exercises in a 140 cm deep pool with a water temperature of 32 °. Data will be collected using the International Physical Activity Survey Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Geriatric Pain Measure, Optojump-next (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), 6-minute Walk Test, 30-second-Sit-to-Stand Test, Four Step Square Test, Berg Balance Scale, Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire. Practice Implications: This current study will contribute to the understanding of how neuromuscular exercises affect falls and physical function in geriatrics.