Poster 18: Effects of a Periodized Aquatic Program for Strength Training on the Maximum Dynamic Strength

Abstract

Objective: To determine if an aquatic program for strength training (APST) can improve the strength of movements carried out on dry land. Design: Nonrandomized controlled trial. Setting: Hydrotherapy pool. Participants: Fit, healthy men. Exercise group: n=7; age, 21±1 years old. Control group: n=5; age, 21.4±1.34 years old. Intervention: With gloves that increased frontal and drag resistance in water, an APST of 8 weeks with 8 to 12 repetitions (9–10 on the OMNI perceived exertion scale for resistance exercise), while adapting the speed of movements by using a metronome. Main Outcome Measures: One repetition maximum with a pre-post submaximal test (<6 repetitions) of the following exercises: plane bench press with barbell, vertical rowing with barbell, horizontal rowing on bench with barbell, and dumbbell lateral raise. Results: APST improved the maximum dynamic strength of the exercise group versus the control group, respectively: bench press, +3.187kg (P=.003) versus −2.118kg (P=.209); vertical rowing, +4.880kg (P=.018) versus +1.440kg (P=.235); horizontal rowing, +4.460kg (P=.033) versus +0.948kg (P=.541); and dumbbell lateral raise, +2.303kg (P=.044) versus –0.006kg (P=.686). Conclusions: An APST combining monitoring of the speed of movements, perceived exertion, and progressive increase in volume and intensity is effective in improving maximum dynamic strength.