Effect of Hydrotherapy and Physical Activity on Uric Acid and Nitric Oxide Concentrations in Serum Samples

Abstract

Hydrotherapy is highly recommended for older adults because it offers warmth and support, so people with pain or reduced mobility and balance can move and exercise more freely compared to regular physical activity. The high plasma antioxidant capacity of uric acid in neutralizing oxidative species and the importance of nitric oxide (NO) in vasodilation and inflammatory response are relevant in older adults. This work aimed to evaluate hydrotherapy's effect on uric acid and NO concentrations in a population aged ≥ 60 years before and after hydrotherapy. A randomized study with 37 individuals was divided into two groups: the experimental group, which was evaluated at two time points: T0-before treatment and T1-after 15-hydrotherapy sessions, and the control group, which did not practice any exercise. The determinations of uric acid and NO levels in serum were carried out by spectrophotometry. Statistics were carried out with SPSS. The experimental group showed a significant increase in the concentration of uric acid in T1 compared to T0. NO results did not show significant differences between T0 and T1. Regular hydrotherapy increases the concentration of serum uric acid, potentially beneficial in the performance of antioxidant functions, reducing oxidative stress, delaying aging, and improving the well-being of older adults.