EFFECTS OF AQUATIC PLUS WALKING EXERCISE ON WEIGHT LOSS AND FUNCTION IN SEDENTARY OBESE FEMALES

Abstract

The effects of the non-weight bearing method of aquatic exercise as a modality for weight loss have not been established. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combined aquatic exercise and walking program compared to walking alone on weight loss, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility in obese females undergoing a 16-week Standard Behavioral Treatment (SBT) program. Forty four obese (BMI 34.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2) sedentary women (age=40.3 ± 6.8 years) were randomly assigned to either an aquatic + walking exercise (AE) or a traditional walking (W) exercise only group. METHODS AE group participated 2 supervised aquatic exercise sessions per week, where the W group participated in 2 supervised walking sessions that were matched for total time spent exercising and %HR max. In addition, both groups were required to complete 3 sessions of home based walking per week. All subjects were also instructed to reduce energy intake to facilitate weight loss. Assessments at 0 and 16 weeks included: body weight, flexibility/range of motion (Sit and Reach), muscular strength (Chair Sit to Stand), and cardiorespiratory fitness (Modified Balke protocol). RESULTS Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time effects in both groups with no differences between treatment groups. Results showed that the AE and W groups significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body weight (AE 6.8 kg (−7.5%); W 5.6 kg (−5.8%)); improved cardiovascular fitness (AE 2.3 ml• kg• min−1 (+11.6%); W 2.7 ml• kg• min−1 (+15.3%)); flexibility (AE 3.3 cm; W 2.0 cm); and strength (AE 2.1 repetitions (+14%); W 2.1 (+16%)) repetitions. CONCLUSION These results suggest that aquatic exercise in combination with walking can serve as an alternative to walking exercise alone for overweight women during periods of weight loss, and this can improve functional health status. Supported by NIH grant 5P30DK4620410.