Effects of aquarobics participation on back pain disability index, sleep disturbance, and subjective memory impairment in female older adults with chronic back pain

Background Pain is a notable risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an aquarobics exercise program on three critical health outcomes—back Pain Disability Index (BPDI), sleep disturbance (SD), and subjective memory impairment (SMI) —in female older adults with chronic low back pain. Methods: In total, 152 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 68), which participated in a structured aquarobics program for three months, or the control group (n = 84), which did not engage in any structured exercise intervention. Results: Participation in the aquarobics program resulted in a statistically significant reduction in BPDI scores, indicating a marked decrease in functional limitations associated with chronic back pain. Participants in the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in sleep quality and decreased subjective memory impairment, both of which were positively correlated with reduced BPDI. SEM analysis confirmed that improvements in BPDI mediated positive effects on sleep and memory, suggesting that physical pain alleviation contributes to enhanced cognitive and psychological well-being. Discussion: These findings underscore the potential of aquarobics as a viable non-pharmacological intervention for elderly women with chronic low back pain, offering comprehensive benefits beyond pain relief, including enhancements in sleep and cognitive function. Conclusions: Future research should explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits and consider the integration of aquarobics into broader rehabilitation and wellness programs for older adults.