Aquatic Aerobic Exercise Research Articles

Water Aerobic Exercise Improves Mother’s Quality of Life During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Objectives. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness, benefits and safety of water aerobic exercise in improving the quality of life of pregnant women from a psychological and physical perspective. Materials and methods. The present study is defined as a type of systematic review research using searches from journal databases such as MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria for this study were articles published in the last 5 years and articles discussing pregnancy, aquatic aerobic exercise and quality of life in pregnancy. A total of 53 articles from the Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were identified. A total of 8 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed for this systematic review. For standard operations, this study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) assessment. Results. The findings of this systematic review indicate that participating in aquatic aerobic exercises has been found toreduce pain during labour, reduce the use of epidural analgesics during labour, reduce depression during pregnancy, reduce the risk of fetal distress, stabilize blood pressure, reduce back pain, and improve the psychological condition of pregnant women. Conclusions. The regular practice of water aerobic exercise carried out from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy contributes to having a positive impact on improving the quality of life of pregnant women.

Effects of aquatic exercises on physical fitness and quality of life in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate and update the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. The databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the topic from inception to July 2022. The GetData software was used to extract data from the published images. RevMan5.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Data are expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). I2 index was employed for heterogeneity. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. We evaluated the methodological quality of included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. We included 594 participants in 16 RCTs (19 comparison groups). The results indicated that aquatic exercise can significantly improve lower limb strength (LLS), upper limb strength (ULS), agility, flexibility, and overall QoL. No significant effects were found on aerobic capacity. Subgroup-analysis results indicated that aquatic exercise only significantly improved LLS, ULS, agility, and flexibility in postmenopausal women < 65 years of age. However, aquatic exercise improves the overall QoL both in postmenopausal women < 65 years and ≥ 65 years. Aquatic resistance exercise significantly improves LLS, ULS, agility and flexibility. In addition, aquatic aerobic exercise can effectively increase LLS, and combined aquatic aerobic and resistance exercise can enhance the overall QoL. Aquatic exercise can effectively improve physical fitness and overall QoL in postmenopausal women, but has limited effects on aerobic capacity; thus, it is highly recommended in postmenopausal women.

Efficacy of aquatic exercise on pulmonary function and aquatic skills performance in older children with cerebral palsy. Randomised controlled study

IntroductionTo evaluate the effectiveness of the aquatic aerobic exercise training (AqET) on the pulmonary function (PF) and aquatic skills performance in the older children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Randomized controlled study.MethodsTwenty-eight children, 13–15 years old, with spastic CP were randomly allocated into AqET group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 13; received AqET plus traditional Physiotherapy “TPT” program) and control group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 15; received TPT only). The PF [including (the forced vital capacity; FVC), (forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV1)] and the aquatic skills performance (including the WOTA mental adaptation score “WMA”, the WOTA skills balance control movement score “WSBM”, the WOTA total score “WTOT”) were evaluated at the beginning and after 12-weeks.ResultsPost-study results revealed significant increases in the PF, WMA, WSBM, WTOT mean values in both groups. The FEV1% and FVC% mean values and percentages of changes were [84.00% (21.5%), 78.23% (24.56%)] and [(71.13% (6.9%), 62% (7.12%)] for the AqET, and control groups respectively. The WMA, WSBM, WTOT mean scores and percentages of changes were [33.15 (77.01%), 15.46 (643.27%), 48.62, (133.19%)] and [(20.2 (7.59%), 2.27 (23.89%), 22.47 (7.36%) for the AqET, and control groups respectively (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). There were significant differences between-groups in the PF and the aquatic skills performance post-study, but in favor of AqET group.ConclusionsChildren with spastic CP benefit favorably from AqET or TPT programs. The AqET is more beneficial than the TPT in increasing the PF and the aquatic skills performance in older children with spastic CP.

Effectiveness of Deep Water Running on Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Function and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

Deep Water Running (DWR) is a form of aquatic aerobic exercise simulating the running patterns adopted on dry land. Little is known on the effectiveness of DWR despite gaining popularity. The objective of this study is to systematically review the effects of DWR on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and quality of life in healthy and clinical populations. A systematic search was completed using six databases, including SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, up to February 2022. Eleven studies evaluating the effectiveness of DWR on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical function, or quality of life (QoL), compared with no interventions (or standard treatment) or land-based trainings were identified. Data relevant to the review questions were extracted by two independent reviewers when means and standard deviations were reported, and standardized mean differences were calculated. A quality assessment was conducted using selected items from the Downs and Black checklist. A total of 11 clinical trials (7 randomized controlled trials) with a total of 287 participants were included. Meta-analyses were not completed due to the high level of clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies. Compared with land-based training, DWR showed similar effects on CRF with limited studies reporting outcomes of physical function and QoL compared with the no-exercise control group. DWR appears to be comparable to land-based training for improving CRF. The aquatic environment may provide some advantages for off-loaded exercise at high intensity in populations that are weak, injured or in pain, but more studies are required.

Effect of aerobic water exercise during pregnancy on epidural use and pain: A multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial

ObjectiveThe physical and psychological benefits of exercise during pregnancy are well established. However, the impact of exercise on pain during labour and the use of epidural analgesia has been less explored. The main aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of moderate aerobic water exercise by pregnant women on the subsequent use of epidural analgesia during labour, induction of labour, mode of delivery, and pain perception. DesignA multi-centre, parallel, randomised, evaluator blinded, controlled trial in a primary care setting. SettingPrimary care centres in a health district of a tertiary obstetric metropolitan hospital in Mallorca, Spain. ParticipantsPregnant women (14 to 20 weeks’ gestation) who had low risk of complications. MethodsThree hundred and twenty pregnant women were randomly assigned to two groups: women who practiced moderate aquatic aerobic exercise with usual antenatal care, and those who received usual prenatal care alone. The gynaecologist, anaesthesiologist and midwife who assisted the women during labour were blinded to group allocations. Principal outcome: use of epidural analgesia during labour. Other outcomes: use of epidural analgesia before 6 cm cervical dilation, labour pain, type of delivery, time of active labour, episiotomy or perineal tear, and induction of labour. ResultsThe exercise program did not affect the use of epidural analgesia (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.44 to 1.40), vaginal delivery (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.73 to 2.41), or caesarean section (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.47 to 1.89). However, women in the exercise group reported less pain during labour (mean difference: –0.6, 95% CI = –1.11 to –0.09). The two groups (moderate aquatic aerobic exercise versus usual antenatal care) showed no significant differences in maternal or newborn adverse events. ConclusionAquatic aerobic exercise during pregnancy had no effect on the use of epidural analgesia during labour, whereas pain perception was lower after aquatic exercise compared to usual care in pregnancy. The intervention was safe for pregnant women and their newborns.

Effectiveness of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Water Exercise during Pregnancy on Quality of Life and Postpartum Depression: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The global prevalence of postpartum depression is about 20%. This disease has serious consequences for women, their infants, and their families. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of a moderate-intensity aerobic water exercise program on postpartum depression, sleep problems, and quality of life in women at one month after delivery. Methods: This was a multi-center, parallel, randomized, evaluator blinded, controlled trial in a primary care setting. Pregnant women (14–20 weeks gestational age) who had low risk of complications and were from five primary care centers in the area covered by the obstetrics unit of Son Llatzer Hospital (Mallorca, Spain) were invited to participate. A total of 320 pregnant women were randomly assigned to two groups, an intervention group (moderate aquatic aerobic exercise) and a control group (usual prenatal care). One month after birth, sleep quality (MOS sleep), quality of life (EQ-5D), and presence of anxiety or depression (EPDS) were recorded. Findings: Women in the intervention group were less likely to report anxiety or depression on the EQ5D (11.5% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.05) and had a lower mean EPDS score (6.1 ± 1.9 vs. 6.8 ± 2.4, p < 0.010). The two groups had no significant differences in other outcomes, maternal adverse events, and indicators of the newborn status. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity aquatic exercise during pregnancy decreased postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms in mothers and was safe for mothers and their newborns.

The effects of different types of aquatic exercise training interventions on a high-fructose diet-fed mice.

Gradual weight gain in modern people and a lowering onset age of metabolic disease are highly correlated with the intake of sugary drinks and sweets. Long-term excessive fructose consumption can lead to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and accumulation of visceral fat. Abdominal obesity is more severe in females than in males. In this study, we used a high-fructose-diet-induced model of obesity in female mice. We investigated the effects of aquatic exercise training on body weight and body composition. After 1 week of acclimatization, female ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups: a normal group (n=8) fed standard diet (control), and a high-fructose diet (HFD) group (n=24) fed a HFD. After 4 weeks of induction followed by 4 weeks of aquatic exercise training, the 24 obese mice were divided into 3 groups (n=8 per group): HFD with sedentary control (HFD), HFD with aquatic strength exercise training (HFD+SE), and HFD with aquatic aerobic exercise training (HFD+AE). We conducted serum biochemical profile analysis, weighed the white adipose tissue, and performed organ histopathology. After 4 weeks of induction and 4 weeks of aquatic exercise training, there was no significant difference in body weight among the HFD, HFD+SE and HFD+AE groups. Serum triglyceride (TG), AST, ALT, and uric acid level were significantly lower in the HFD+SE and HFD+AE groups than in the HFD group. The weight of the perirenal fat pad was significantly lower in the HFD+AE group than in the HFD group. Hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly lower in the HFD+AE group than in the other groups. Long-term intake of a high-fructose diet can lead to obesity and increase the risk of metabolic disease. Based on our findings, we speculate that aquatic exercise training can effectively promote health and fitness. However, aquatic aerobic exercise training appears to have greater benefits than aquatic strength exercise training.

Exergaming and Aquatic Exercises Affect Lung Function and Weight Loss in Obese Children.

We investigated the effect of exergames and aquatic exercises on lung function and weight loss in obese children. Sixty-one obese male primary-school children were randomly allocated to video game, aquatic exercise, and control groups. Lung functions and anthropometric variables were measured before and after the intervention and after one month (follow-up). In the video game group, an Xbox Kinect game was played for 60 min during three sessions a week. The aquatic aerobic exercise was performed three times per week and consisted of a warm-up, main exercises, and a cool down phase. For the video game group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between (i) pre- and (ii) post-intervention and follow-up. In the aquatic exercise group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between pre- and post-intervention and between pre-intervention and follow-up. Both exercise groups improved the waist/hip ratio index compared to the control group. Forced vital capacity was significantly improved in the follow-up of the video game group and the aquatic exercise group compared to the control group. A significant improvement was found in forced expiratory volume in the first second at post-intervention and follow-up in the video game and the aquatic exercise groups. Exergames and aquatic exercises improved weight loss and lung function in obese children.

A Better Approach To Improve Cardiovascular Function In Middle-aged, Inactive Human

PURPOSE: Investigate whether different aquatic aerobic exercise intensity modalities yield differential effects on vascular and endothelial function in middle-aged, inactive human METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial of middle-aged with inactive recipients 6 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT) or 6 weeks of moderate-intensity continued training (MICT). Outcomes included arterial stiffness, endothelial function, lipid metabolism, body composition and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Twenty-six middle-aged with inactive human (mean age 41 years, 73% male) completed the study. The decrease (P<0.05) of [email protected] (augmentation index at HR of 75 beat/min) in SIT group was greater than MICT group. On the contrary, subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) was elevated in the MICT (P<0.01) groups but not after SIT. Brachial artery BP decreased (P<0.01) by -8.1±1.5 mmHg after MICT exercise with no change in SIT. Both groups could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose (P<0.001), but only the decrease of total cholesterol was found in SIT (P<0.01). Brachial artery Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was improved in both group, MICT only showed marginal significance(P=0.07)compared with SIT (P<0.05). SIT's relative VO2max and O2 pulse increased (P<0.05) by 8.4% and 8.6%, respectively, with no change in MICT. Both groups of interventions could reduce BMI (P<0.05), but SIT was mainly by increasing lean body mass (P<0.01) and decreasing fat mass (P<0.001), while the lean body mass of MICT did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that short-term low-volume aquatic SIT is a time-efficient strategy to induce changes in arterial vascular stiffness, endothelial function, lipid metabolism and body composition during exercise that are comparable to changes induced by water-based traditional high-volume MICT.

Mat Pilates is as effective as aquatic aerobic exercise in treating women with fibromyalgia: a clinical, randomized and blind trial

BackgroundThe mat Pilates method is the therapeutic modalities which can be used in fibromyalgia treatment. Although there are no well-designed studies that prove the effectiveness of the mat Pilates method in this population. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mat Pilates method for improving symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.MethodsA single blind randomized controlled trial in which 42 women with fibromyalgia were randomized into two groups: mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercise. The exercises were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Two evaluations were performed: one at baseline (T0), and another at 12 weeks after randomization (T12). The primary outcome was pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were function (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), quality of life (Short Form 36 [SF-36]), fear avoidance (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire [FABQ-BR]) and pain catastrophizing (Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale [PRCTS]).ResultsThere was improvement in both groups in relation to pain and function (p < 0.05). The aspects related to quality of life and the FABQ questionnaire only showed improvement in the mat Pilates group (p < 0.05). There was improvement in the PSQI and PRCTS variables only in the aquatic aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between the groups for any of the evaluated variables.ConclusionSignificant improvements were observed in the two groups in relation to the disease symptoms, and no differences were observed between mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercise in any of the measured variables.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT03149198), May 11, 2017. Approved by the Ethics Committee of FACISA/UFRN (Number: 2.116.314).

A Study on Trunk Muscle Activation of 2 Deep Water Running Styles (High-Knee and Cross-Country Style) and Land Walking.

Deep water running (DWR) is an aquatic aerobic exercise which involves running in water without the feet touching the bottom of the pool, and it may involve different activation of trunk muscles compared with running or walking on land. This form of exercise is gradually being adopted as a form of therapeutic exercise for people with low back pain. It is proposed that different types of running or walking in water may be a more comfortable form of training for the trunk and abdominal muscles compared with exercising on dry land. This study aimed to examine the trunk muscle activation in DWR in 2 different styles-high knee style and cross-country style, and these were compared with walking on land. Eleven healthy individuals (2 females and 9 males, mean age = 24 [4.6]) were recruited for this study. Surface electromyography was used to examine the activities of the right transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, lumbar multifidus, and lumbar erector spinae muscles in 5 conditions: static standing on land and in water, running in deep water with high knee and cross-country styles, and finally walking on a treadmill. The percentage of maximal voluntary contraction of the transversus abdominis was significantly higher for both running styles in DWR, compared with that of static standing in water. Comparing directly the 2 styles, muscle activity was higher with a high knee action compared to without. The activation of transversus abdominis during high-knee DWR was comparable with that during treadmill walking and this may have clinical implications. The results of this study confirmed that running in deep water with a high knee action activated trunk muscles differently compared with standing or walking on land.

Comparative effectiveness of exercise interventions for low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 41 randomised controlled trials

BackgroundLow back pain is a major health concern in China because of its high prevalence among the general population. Exercise is universally recommended as a core treatment to reduce the symptoms, but the relative efficacy of different types of exercise have not been evaluated, and the most appropriate exercise intervention is still unknown. We therefore aimed to compare and rank the effectiveness of different exercise interventions in relieving pain and improving function in patients with low back pain using a network meta-analysis. MethodsWe carried out a systematic review and network meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and the reference lists of relevant articles for randomised controlled trials (RCT) published up to May 15, 2018. We included RCT studies comparing exercise interventions with each other or with controls (usual care or no exercise), for adults with low back pain. We excluded non-RCT studies and studies that did not investigate exercise interventions. The primary outcomes were improvement in pain intensity (as measured by the numerical rating scale, the visual analogue scale, or others) and disability (as measured by the Morris disability index, the Oswestry disability index, or others). We used the standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI to measure effect sizes, and did pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis to combine both direct (within trial) and indirect (between trial) evidence of exercise effectiveness. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. FindingsWe identified 5167 relevant studies, and of these we included 41 trials involving 3050 participants. 22 types of exercise interventions for low back pain published until May 15, 2018 were included. In terms of pain relief, aerobic, extension, stabilisation, strengthening, and stretching exercise (alone, not in combination) were significantly more effective than usual exercise, with SMD ranging between −2.19 (95% CI −4·25 to −0·13, extension exercise) and −0·71 (–1·37 to −0·05, stretching exercise). Aerobic strengthening, aerobic strengthening plus stretching, aquatic aerobics and any combination of stabilisation, strengthening, and stretching exercise were also more efficacious compared with usual exercise. When all interventions were considered, stabilisation plus strengthening exercise (SMD −4·27, 95% CI −6·03 to −2·51; P-score, 96% likelihood) was ranked the most effective for pain relief, followed by flexion (–2·38, −4·81 to 0·05; 78%), extension (–2·19, −4·25 to −0·13; 76%), and aquatic aerobic exercise (–1·76, −2·88 to −0·63; 72%). Regarding disability, only aerobic (–0·68, −1·22 to −0·14), stabilisation (–1·15, −2·17 to −0·12), aerobic strengthening (–1·06, −2·09 to −0·03), aquatic aerobic (–1·21, −2·32 to −0·09), stabilisation plus strengthening (–2·88, −4·61 to −1·14), strengthening plus stretching (–1·56, −2·88 to −0·24), and strengthening plus stretching plus stabilisation exercises (–1·66, −2·45 to −0·88) were more efficacious than usual exercise. Of all of the studied interventions, a combined intervention of stabilisation and strengthening exercise showed the greatest effect on disability, with a P-score of 92%. The strength of evidence according to the GRADE assessment was low to moderate. InterpretationAn approach combining stabilisation and strengthening exercises is likely to be most effective in the management of low back pain, but most individual exercise interventions alone and various combinations of interventions also had significant beneficial effects compared with usual exercise. These results should serve evidence-based practice and guide patients and caregivers on the choice of intervention. FundingNational Natural Science Foundation of China (81371942), and Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of Liaoning Province, China (201601304).

Are aquatic aerobic exercise programs effective in decreasing pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia?

Are aquatic aerobic exercise programs effective in decreasing pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia?

Effect of aquatic exercise training on lipids profile and glycaemia: A systematic review

The objective of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of aquatic exercise training on glycaemia and lipids profile. A systematic review of clinical trials was performed assessing the effects of aquatic exercise and/or training in upright position on lipids profile and glycaemic index. Two raters independently assessed the eligibility criteria and the methodological quality of the studies using the PEDro scale. Average and standard deviation of all variables significantly altered by the interventions were extracted for calculating percentage alterations. Three studies involving the acute effect of aquatic aerobic exercise on the variables of interest were analysed, with two of them demonstrating the efficacy of this type of training in improving lipids profile. Nine studies involving the chronic effects of aquatic training on the same variables were also analysed; eight of them, which assessed different training interventions for different populations, reported benefits of exercise regarding these variables. In conclusion, the improvements found in response to aquatic exercise training in upright position in glycaemia and lipids profile indicate the aquatic environment as a favourable environment for conducting exercise programmes.

The Comparison of the Effect of Eight-Weeks Aquatic Aerobic Exercise and balance Training on Physical Disability and Mental Health in Female Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system disease that results in many symptoms such as fatigue, physical disability, etc. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of eight-weeks aquatic aerobic exercise and balance training on physical disability and mental health in female patients with MS. Materials and Methods: In this practical and semi- experimental research, forty five women having MS with degree of physical disability 1 to 4, disease duration 12 to 48 months and aged 20 to 45 years who went to Dezfoul MS Society, Iran were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 15 in each group), Aquatic aerobic exercise, balance training and control. Both experimental did their exercises three times weekly each session 40 to 50 minutes for 8 weeks. Subjects filled out the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale and Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questioner before and after 8 weeks. The data were analyzed with t-test, one-way and multivariate analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: Results indicates that in both aquatic aerobic exercise and balance training groups, physical disability significant decreases and mental health significant increases and was not significant difference in both experimental group. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that methods, aquatic aerobic and balance training are significantly effective in decreasing physical disability and increasing mental health in MS female patients.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise in Water on Serum Estrogen and C - Reactive Protein and Body Mass Index Level in Obese and Normal Weight Postmenopausal Women

with progressive intensity of 50 to 70 percent of maximum heart rate for 45 minutes between 10-11 am. The blood samples were taken the day before and two days after the exercise sessions through the left brachial vein. Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Mann-Whitney test were used for data analysis. Results: In the obese and normal weight groups exercise caused significant increase in estrogen (P=0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) and decreased the BMI (P = 0.009, P = 0.003, respectively); however, CRP decreased significantly when compared to pre exercise in the normal weight group (P = 0.005), No statistically significant change was observed in the obese group (P = 0.084). There was no significant difference in estrogen (P = 0.32), BMI (P = 0.62) and CRP (P = 0.35) changes following exercise between obese and normal weight groups. Conclusions: In the present study, aquatic aerobic exercise caused similar reduction in some cardiovascular risk factors among obese and normal weight postmenopausal women. However, future studies are recommended for more clarification.

The effects of aquatic, isometric strength-stretching and aerobic exercise on physical and psychological parameters of female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

[Purpose] There are various treatment modalities for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic, aerobic and isometric strength-stretching exercises on the physical and psychological parameters of patients with FMS. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy five female patients with FMS were randomly selected and divided into three groups. Patients (18–50 years) were treated for 3 months using one of three methods: a home-based isometric strength and stretching exercise program (ISSEP), a gym-based aerobic exercise program (AEP), and a pool-based aquatic aerobic exercise program (AAEP). Items evaluated were: the number of tender points, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), SF-36 physical and mental health scores, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). [Results] The results revealed that AAEP was the most effective treatment of the three. All of the groups showed significant improvements in all variables between pre-and post-test, except the mean values of VAS and BDI in ISSEP. [Conclusion] The results suggest that aquatic aerobic exercise program is more effective than AEP and ISSEP in the treatment of FMS.

Effects of aerobic training in water on IL-6 and IL-10 in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is the most prevalent disease of the central nerve system. This disease affects different aspects of patient’s life. Multiple Sclerosis has negative effects on physical and mental health. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis and are major targets of therapeutic interventions. Aim: To investigate the effects of aquatic aerobic exercise on IL-6 and IL-10 in men with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 30 patients with MS were randomly divided into two control and experimental groups. For experimental group, exercise program was applied for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week with intensity of 50-60% of maximum heartbeat. IL-6 and IL-10 were analyzed before and after exercises. Analyzing data was done by SPSS ver. 18, and 0.05 significant level of independent T examination. Results: Results indicated that there was significant difference between the two groups in IL-6 (P<0/001) and IL-10 (P<0/004). Conclusion: aerobic training in watercan regulate the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and adjust IL-6 and IL-10 indexes. Experts can use these exercises as complementary treatment along with medical cure for MS patients.

Aquatic aerobic exercise for children with cerebral palsy: a pilot intervention study

Purpose: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a14-week aquatic exercise program on gross motor function and walking endurance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary purpose was to evaluate changes in functional strength, aerobic capacity and balance. Method: A prospective time series group design consisting of four measurement sessions (two baseline, one post intervention, and 1-month follow-up) was used. Eight ambulatory children ages 6–15 years with CP and classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I or Level III participated in an aquatic aerobic exercise program. Results: Significant improvements were observed for the primary outcomes of gross motor function and walking endurance. No significant differences between any of the secondary measures were observed, although all of the measures demonstrated trends of improvement after intervention. Conclusion: Ambulatory children with CP may improve their gross motor skills and walking endurance after an aquatic exercise program held twice per week for 14 weeks, utilizing moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity and consisting of functional activities.

Effects of muscular and aqua aerobic combined exercise on metabolic indices in elderly women with metabolic syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of muscle strengthening exercise using elastic thera-band and aquatic aerobic combined exercise on metabolic syndrome index in elderly with metabolic syndrome. Fifty-four were assigned to muscle strengthening exercise group (n = 19), aquatic aerobic exercise group (n = 19), and combined exercise group (n = 16). The muscle strength exercise, aquatic aerobic exercise and combined exercise were provided three times a week for 12 weeks. Metabolic syndrome indices[Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference] were measured before and after the program. One-way ANOVA, paired t-test and two-way repeated ANOVA were used with the SPSS program for data analysis. There was a significant difference in triglyceride (p < .001), HDL-C (p = .010) and waist circumference (p = .016). Triglyceride and waist circumference was significantly decreased in combined group than muscle strength exercise group and aquatic exercise group. HDL-C was significantly increased in combined group than muscle strength exercise group. The results indicate that combined exercise was more effective in the improvement of dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity.