Efficacy of Aqua-Aero Fit: A Water-Based Exercise Program for Cardiorespiratory Endurance

Abstract

Aim: To determine the efficacy of an Aqua-AeroFit, a Water-Based Exercise program, on cardiorespiratory endurance on patients with psychiatric conditions in selected rehabilitation centers. Methods: This study had a quasi-experimental design with 30 participants assigned to a water-based exercise program and 30 participants assigned to a land-based program. All participants were patients of a psychiatric center. The water exercise program consisted of Aqua jogging for 10 mins, Aqua-Aero Zumba and calisthenics for 15 minutes , Aquatic Resistive exercises and active swimming for 10 minutes, twice a day for 16 weeks of exercises done using 4-foot pool, supervised by a physical therapist and a lifeguard. The land-based program consisted of calisthenics exercise for 10 minutes, Zumba and general body rhythmical activities for 15 minutes. Warm up and cool down exercise were performed the before and after the exercise implementation phase. Outcome measures included BMI, Karvonen’s formula, Perceived exertion scale, Mini Mental status exam and VO2 Max calculator using the Chester step test for cardiorespiratory endurance. Results: Results showed a statistically significant improvement of VO2 max in the water-based group compared to the land-based group (p=0.000). Conclusion and Implications: The inclusion of a water-based exercise program via Aqua-AeroFit as part of a rehabilitation program may improve cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with psychiatric conditions.