EMG, Cardiorespiratory Response, And RPE In Older Subjects While Walking In Water

Abstract

The popularity of water exercise programs has been increasing for both fitness enhancement and rehabilitation. However, it is rare to find scientific research which evaluates muscle activity while older subjects walk in water. This investigation represents the first attempt to compare muscle activities, cardiorespiratory responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in older adults while they walked in water and on dry land. PURPOSE: To compare the muscle activities, cardiorespiratory responses, and RPE of older individuals while walking in water with those obtained while walking on dry land. METHODS: Nine healthy older subjects (61 yrs) served as subjects. Electromyography (EMG), stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL), oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), RPE (for breathing and legs, RPE-Br and RPE-Legs, respectively), and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the VO2, HR, RPE-Br, RPE-Legs or BLa while walking in water and on dry land (moderate and fast speeds). Both in water and on dry land, the VO2-HR (P<0.001), VO2-walking speed (P<0.001), and HR-walking speed (P<0.05) relationships were significantly correlated. The SF (P<0.001) and SL (P<0.05) while walking in water were significantly lower than on dry land. The %MVCs while walking in water were all significantly lower than on dry land within each speed condition (P<0.05). Conversely, the VO2 (P<0.001), HR (P<0.001), RPE-Br and RPE-Legs (P<0.01), BLa (P<0.05), SL (P<0.001), and %MVC (the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius, P<0.05) while walking in water were significantly higher than on dry land at the same speeds. CONCLUSIONS: Walking in water elicits higher muscle activities, higher cardiorespiratory responses, and increased perceived exertion levels in older adults than walking on dry land at the same speed.