AQUATIC THERAPY SUPPORTING THE VARIATION OF HUMOR IN WOMEN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: To observe the influence of an aquatic therapeutic exercise program on menopausal symptoms and depression in a group of menopausal women. Material and Methods: This was a longitudinal intervention study, with a quantitative approach and pre- and post-treatment measures in a population of menopausal women. Instruments for data collection: Blatt and Kuppermann Menopausal Index and Black & Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 for Windows, in addition to Wilcoxon statistical test and Spearman’s correlation test. Results: The mean (SD) of menopausal symptoms before and after intervention was found to be 11.73 (9.90) and 7.60 (5.60), respectively, with a significant difference (z=-3.293; p=0.001) between pre- and post-treatment measures. For symptoms of depression, means (SD) of 13.3 (5.5) and 9.0 (5.9) were observed before and after intervention, with a significant difference (z=-2.003; p=0.045) between pre- and post-treatment measures, confirmed by the Spearman correlation test. Conclusion: Hydrotherapy was found to provide physical and functional benefits, such as relief of heat waves and improvement in mood and body image, increasing female self-esteem and reducing depression symptoms abundantly found in menopausal women. DESCRIPTORS Climacteric. Menopause. Depression. Hydrotherapy. Exercise.