A Study Using Ultrasonography as an Assessment Tool to Compare the Effectiveness of a Structured Land and Aquatic Based Exercise Program on Overweight and Obese Health-Care Professionals

Abstract

Context: Overweight and obesity being a health hazard for people of any age and profession requires an effective treatment protocol for weight loss. The benefits of land and aquatic exercises on obesity have been researched individually. Clinical trials are lacking where effectiveness of a structured exercise program in water and on land was compared for weight loss on health care professionals. Aim: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness between structured land and aquatic-based exercises on anthropometric measures, serum lipid level, and body fat. Settings and Design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the tertiary health-care center of Belagavi. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two overweight or obese health care professionals were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into two groups, i.e., aquatic and land exercise group. An exercise program for 6 days a week for 3 week was performed. The study outcomes included were ultrasonographic assessment of abdominal obesity along with blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Statistical Analysis used: SPSS Version 23.0 was used for analysis. Pre and post data were compared and analyzed using paired t-test. Results: Statistically significant reduction in body fat percentage with respect to anthropometric measurements, serum lipid levels, and fat thickness was observed in both the groups. However, there was a greater change in the mean difference of the aqua group as compared to the land group which suggests structured exercises in water are more effective than on land. Conclusions: The current study concludes that a structured exercise program for 3 weeks in water for overweight and obese health-care professionals showed better outcomes compared to land exercises.