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EFFECT OF HALLIWICK AQUATIC TRAINING ON DYNAMIC BALANCE IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A PRE–POST EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Tejal Pardeshi, Shyam Ganvir, Geeta Bhatt · Genetics and Molecular Research · 2026

Researchers had 32 sedentary older adults (aged 65-70) with poor balance do a 4-week Halliwick-style aquatic training program — 12 supervised 45-minute pool sessions, three times a week — and measured dynamic balance before and after with the Mini-BESTest. Balance scores rose significantly, from about 16.3 to 22.4 out of 28 (a mean gain of ~6 points), though the study had no control group for comparison.
Takeaway: Consider supervised water-based balance training a few times a week as a low-impact option for improving stability in older adults.
Abstract (source)

Background: Age-related reduction in balance contributes to an increased risk of falls and reduced functional independence in older adults. Aquatic therapy, particularly the Halliwick concept, provides a safe and supportive environment that may enhance postural control and dynamic balance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a Halliwick aquatic training program on dynamic balance in community-dwelling older adults with impaired dynamic balance (Mini-BESTest ≤20/28)

Methods: A single-group pre–post experimental study was conducted among 32 sedentary community-dwelling older adults aged 65–70 years. Participants completed a 4-week Halliwick aquatic training program comprising 12 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week, 45 minutes/session). Dynamic balance was assessed using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Statistical

Significance: was set at p < 0.05.

Results: All 32 participants completed the intervention. Mean Mini-BESTest scores improved significantly from 16.28 ± 0.51 at baseline to 22.40 ± 0.69 following the intervention, with a mean difference of 6.13 points (95% CI: 6.05–6.20). The improvement was statistically significant (t(31) = 159.66, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a Cohen's d of 28.22.

Conclusion: A four-week Halliwick aquatic training program was associated with significant improvements in dynamic balance among community-dwelling older adults with impaired dynamic balance. These

Findings: suggest that Halliwick aquatic therapy may be a safe and effective intervention for improving postural control and supporting fall-prevention strategies in the older adult population. Further controlled trials are recommended to confirm these

findings.

Primary studyOpen accessProgramming & Periodization
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