Aquatic Exercise Group Research Articles

Aquatic Cognitive–Motor Exercise for Cognition, Balance, and Functional Mobility in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Introduction Cognitive declines and mobility challenges in older adults often hinder exercise, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Addressing both cognitive and physical health is crucial for enhancing overall well-being in older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of aquatic cognitive–motor exercise on cognition, balance, and functional mobility in older adults. Methods This pilot randomized controlled study included 25 participants from two retirement communities who were randomly assigned to a control (n = 12, 81 ± 8 yr old) or aquatic exercise group (n = 13, 83 ± 7 yr old). The aquatic exercise group received 45 min of moderate-intensity cognitive–motor exercise three times per week for 8 wk. The control group received one fall prevention education class. Results The session attendance rate for the aquatic exercise program was 95%. Between-group comparisons showed that 8 wk of aquatic exercise improved various measures of cognition with a medium effect size, as assessed by the Stroop Color and Word Test (∆ 2.8, d = 0.51) and the Trail Making Test part B (∆ −19.2 s, d = −0.59). Gait speeds while walking forward (∆ 0.04 m·s−1, d = 0.43) and counting backward by serial 7s (∆ 0.05 m·s−1, d = 0.43) were improved with a small effect size in the aquatic exercise intervention. This change was recognized as a clinically meaningful improvement in older adults. The aquatic intervention group had a medium to large effect size improvement in speed with the Four Square Step Test (∆ −0.6 s, d = −0.42), Timed Up and Go test (∆ −1.1 s, d = −0.50), and Timed Up and Go cognitive test (∆ −1.0 s, d = −0.56), whereas only negligible to small changes were noted with single-leg balance measures. Conclusions The aquatic cognitive–motor exercise program is feasible and enhanced cognition and functional mobility in older adults.

Effects of aquatic versus land-based exercise on irisin and fibroblast growth factor 21 expression and triiodothyronine and free fatty acid levels in elderly women.

This study investigated the impacts of exercise on irisin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) expression, as well as triiodothyronine (T3 ) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in elderly women. Thirty women aged 65 to 70 years (10 per group) were randomly assigned to aquatic exercise, land exercise, and control groups. The aquatic and land groups engaged in 3 exercise sessions per week (60 min/session) for 16 weeks. The intensity was progressively increased every 4 weeks. Irisin and FGF-21 levels significantly increased in the aquatic exercise group. In the posttest, the aquatic exercise group had the highest irisin levels. Significant findings were observed for irisin and FGF-21 for the main effect between aquatic and band exercise groups (p<0.05 for both), the main effect between measurement times (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively), and the interaction effect (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). The irisin level was significantly higher in the aquatic than in the land group 30 minutes after the last session (p<0.05). In both exercise groups, T3 levels were significantly higher 30 minutes after the final session (p<0.05) than before the program. The FFA level was significantly higher in the aquatic exercise group than the others. In the aquatic group, FFA levels were significantly higher 30 minutes after both the first (p<0.01) and the last (p<0.001) session compared to pre-program values. Differences in exercise type and environment can promote fat metabolism by stimulating hormonal changes that induce brown fat activity and browning.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Floor Curling on Balance Ability and Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study in China.

Children with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength, which negatively impact their daily lives and motor function. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise and floor curling intervention on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise group, floor curling group, and control group. The aquatic exercise and floor curling groups received a 12-week intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. The participants' balance ability and lower limb muscle strength were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and a muscle strength testing device before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength for both the aquatic exercise group and the floor curling group after the intervention. The aquatic exercise group demonstrated an average improvement of 10.84% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 16.28% in lower limb muscle strength. The floor curling group showed an average improvement of 9.04% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 15.67% in lower limb muscle strength. These improvement results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.5~0.8). The findings of this study validate the positive effects of aquatic exercise and floor curling on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. These interventions can be considered effective approaches for functional rehabilitation in children with intellectual disabilities.

Effect of aquatic exercise versus standard care on paraspinal and gluteal muscles morphology in individuals with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is one of the most disabling diseases and a major health issue. Despite the evidence of a link between paraspinal and gluteal muscle dysfunction and LBP, it is unknown whether aquatic exercises can lead to improvements in paraspinal and gluteal muscle morphology and function, and whether improvements in overall muscle health are associated with improvements in patients’ outcomes. The unique properties of water allow a water-based exercise program to be tailored to the needs of those suffering from LBP. This study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the effect of an aquatic exercise program versus standard exercise on 1) paraspinal and gluteal muscle size, quality and strength and 2) pain, disability, and psychological factors (pain related fear, depression, anxiety, sleep quality) in chronic LBP.MethodsThis study will include 34 participants with chronic non-specific LBP and moderate to severe disability, aged between 18 and 65, who will be randomly assigned (1:1) to the aquatic exercise group or land-based standard care exercise group. Both groups will receive 20 supervised sessions, twice per week over 10 weeks. MRIs will be obtained along the lumbosacral spine (L1-L5) and pelvis at the start and end of the intervention to assess the effect of each exercise intervention on paraspinal and gluteal muscle size and quality. Pre- to post-intervention changes in all outcomes between each group will be assessed, and the association between the changes in back muscle quality and clinical outcomes will be examined. Between-subjects repeated measure analysis of variance will be used to examine the changes in paraspinal muscle morphology over the different time points. Linear mixed models will be used to assess whether baseline scores can modify the response to the exercise therapy treatment.DiscussionThis study will determine if water-based exercises targeting the lower back and gluteal muscles can lead to important changes in muscle quality and function, and their possible relation with patients’ pain and functional improvements. Our findings will have strong clinical implications and provide preliminary data to design a community program to better support individuals with chronic LBP.Trial registrationNCT05823857, registered prospectively on April 27th, 2023.

Effect of aquatic therapy on motor skill and executive function in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of different types of physical activity, especially aquatic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, this study aimed to examine the effect of a response-oriented approach using aquatic exercise for children with ASD on motor skills and executive function. In this quasi-experimental design, 40 children aged 7–10 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a response-oriented aquatic exercise (ROA) group (n=20) or a control (CON) group (n=20). The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition – Short Form (BOTMP-2) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess motor skill and executive function, respectively. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were found between the ROA and CON groups in receiving (F=38.94, p=0.001) and throwing (F=33.05, p=0.001), static balance (F=44.89, p=0.002), dynamic balance (F=48.51, p=0.010), correct responses (F=3.60, p=0.010), conceptual responses (F=0.34, p=0.010) and perseverative errors (F=1.57, p=0.040). Aquatic exercise was found to be an effective intervention for children with ASD in that it decreases motor deficits and improves executive function. This study provides families, teachers and other specialists with exercise optionality that may be exciting and motivational to children with ASD due to its response-oriented approach.

Hypotensive Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training in Older Adults.

Although regular exercise can help reduce blood pressure, older adults often struggle with adhering to land-based exercise due to barriers such as arthritis pain, functional limitations, and fear of falling. Aquatic exercise is a good alternative mode of exercise that may reduce barriers and improve adherence. However, limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in reducing blood pressure in older adults with isolated systolic hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week aquatic exercise program on arterial blood pressure in older adults. Twenty-five participants were randomized to a control (n=12, 81±8 years) or aquatic exercise group (n=13, 83±7 years). The exercise group received aquatic cognitive-motor training at a moderate-intensity for 45 minutes per session three times per week for eight weeks. The non-exercising control group received a one-hour fall prevention seminar and was asked to maintain their normal physical activity level. Baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. After eight weeks, the exercise group had reductions in systolic blood pressure (135±11 vs. 126±13 mmHg, p<0.01) and pulse pressure (68±8 vs. 60±8 mmHg, p<0.01) without significant change in diastolic blood pressure. There were no significant changes in the control group. Aquatic cognitive-motor training performed at a moderate-intensity was effective in inducing clinically meaningful reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in older adults.

REABILITAÇÃO ESPORTIVA AQUÁTICA NA RECUPERAÇÃO FUNCIONAL DE LESÃO DO JOELHO

ABSTRACT Introduction Knee joint injury is a common sports injury and how to speed up the recovery process is a concern for all athletes. Objective Determine whether aquatic sports rehabilitation nursing can accelerate the rehabilitation process of knee joint injuries. Methods Thirty patients with knee ligament or meniscal injury were divided into an aquatic sports group and a control group. The control group assumed general recovery measures, while the aquatic exercise group was added another 8 weeks of rehabilitation nursing with aquatic exercises. The evolution of the degree of knee joint pain, knee joint range of motion, knee joint muscle strength and other indicators before and after the experiment were compared. Results After 8 weeks of intervention, pain and activities of daily living in the aquatic exercise group improved significantly compared with those before the experiment; the degree of recovery from knee joint injury in the aquatic exercise group was significantly better than that in the control group, and knee joint flexion range of motion, flexor and extensor muscle strength, and other indicators in the aquatic exercise group were significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusion Aquatic rehabilitation exercise can accelerate the recovery process of patients with knee joint injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Efficacy of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise vs Physical Therapy Modalities for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Therapeutic aquatic exercise is frequently offered to patients with chronic low back pain, but its long-term benefits are unclear. To assess the long-term effects of therapeutic aquatic exercise on people with chronic low back pain. This 3-month, single-blind randomized clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up period was performed from September 10, 2018, to March 12, 2019, and the trial follow-up was completed March 17, 2020. A total of 113 people with chronic low back pain were included in the experiment. Participants were randomized to either the therapeutic aquatic exercise or the physical therapy modalities group. The therapeutic aquatic exercise group received aquatic exercise, whereas the physical therapy modalities group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and infrared ray thermal therapy. Both interventions were performed for 60 minutes twice a week for 3 months. The primary outcome was disability level, which was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; scores range from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more severe disability. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, recommendation of intervention, and minimal clinically important difference. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. Of the 113 participants, 59 were women (52.2%) (mean [SD] age, 31.0 [11.5] years). Participants were randomly allocated into the therapeutic aquatic exercise group (n = 56) or the physical therapy modalities group (n = 57), and 98 patients (86.7%) completed the 12-month follow-up. Compared with the physical therapy modalities group, the therapeutic aquatic exercise group showed greater alleviation of disability, with adjusted mean group differences of -1.77 (95% CI, -3.02 to -0.51; P = .006) after the 3-month intervention, -2.42 (95% CI, -4.13 to -0.70; P = .006) at the 6-month follow-up, and -3.61 (95% CI, -5.63 to -1.58; P = .001) at the 12-month follow-up (P < .001 for overall group × time interaction). At the 12-month follow-up point, improvements were significantly greater in the therapeutic aquatic exercise group vs the physical therapy modalities group in the number of participants who met the minimal clinically important difference in pain (at least a 2-point improvement on the numeric rating scale) (most severe pain, 30 [53.57%] vs 12 [21.05%]; average pain, 14 [25%] vs 11 [19.30%]; and current pain, 22 [39.29%] vs 10 [17.54%]) and disability (at least a 5-point improvement on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) (26 [46.43%] vs 4 [7.02%]). One of the 56 participants (1.8%) in the therapeutic aquatic exercise group vs 2 of the 57 participants (3.5%) in the physical therapy modalities group experienced low back pain and other pains related to the intervention. The therapeutic aquatic exercise program led to greater alleviation in patients with chronic low back pain than physical therapy modalities and had a long-term effect up to 12 months. This finding may prompt clinicians to recommend therapeutic aquatic exercise to patients with chronic low back pain as part of treatment to improve their health through active exercise rather than relying on passive relaxation. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800016396.

Aquatic vs. land-based exercise after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in middle-aged active patients with a degenerative meniscal tear: A randomized, controlled study

BackgroundAwareness of the value of aquatic exercise (AE) in the postoperative rehabilitation has increased, and several inherent advantages of AE, such as adjustment of both resistance and muscle strengthening parameters makes good rationale for its inclusion in postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine and compare the benefits of AE and land-based exercise (LBE) on pain, functionality, and quality of life after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). MethodsThis randomized controlled study included 30 middle-aged (35–50), physically active patients who were randomized into LBE (n = 15) and AE (n = 15) groups after APM for a degenerative meniscal tear. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), single-leg hop test and Lysholm questionnaire scores in addition to isokinetic muscle strength values were evaluated at baseline, at fourth week immediately after cessation of exercise program and at eighth week follow-up visits. The exercise sessions were conducted in 1-h sessions per day, three days a week for a total of four weeks. ResultsSignificant improvement was observed in the VAS, single-leg hop test, Lysholm questionnaire, and most of SF-36 subscale scores in both groups at both fourth and eighth follow-ups. Isokinetic dynamometer revealed significant improvement in the peak torque values for extension at angular velocities of 60° and 180° at both follow-ups in the AE group. LBE group showed significant improvement in the peak torque value for extension only at an angular velocity of 60° only at fourth week follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups for any of these parameters at any of the follow-ups. ConclusionBoth AE and LBE programs had significantly improved pain, function, isokinetic muscle strength, and quality of life in patients after APM. Either type of exercise is essential as part of the rehabilitation protocol for good clinical outcomes after APM and should not be neglected (level II). ClinicalTrials registration numberNCT04925726.

Effects of aquatic therapy on people with osteopenia or osteoporosis: A systematic review

Background Aquatic exercises have been widely used to treat people with osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP), claiming that they may improve balance; nonetheless, there is still controversy on its use for this population. Objectives To investigate the effects of aquatic exercise (AE) on people with osteopenia or OP. Methods Systematic review that included clinical trials, with at least one AE group and a control group. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science were searched. The risk of bias assessment was performed independently by two reviewers with the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Results A total of 1793 articles were identified, and 7 articles were considered eligible, mostly considered as of low risk of bias. The total sample size was composed of 562 women (mean ages between 58.6 ± 6.7 and 73.3 ± 3.9). The interventions were supplementation, pharmacological treatment and protocols both of land-based exercises (LE) and AE. Outcomes were quality of life, functionality, balance, function, mobility, handgrip, lower limbs and trunk strength, flexibility and pain, with controversial results on all variables. Conclusions Even though AE seem to be beneficial for people with osteopenia or OP, protocols for evaluation and treatment are heterogeneous and did not allow a meta-analysis computation. As such, it was not possible to conclude if AE are beneficial to people with osteopenia or OP. Trial Registration This systematic review was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO [OMITTED FOR BLINDING PURPOSES]).

The Effect of Aquatic and Non-aquatic Balance Training on the Fall Risk of Patients With Grade 2 and 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of balance exercises in the aquatic and Non-aquatic environments compared with control in patients with grade 2 or 3 knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: For this single-blind, randomized control trial study, 43 women with mild to moderate knee OA were recruited through a simple non-probability sampling method. They were randomly assigned to the aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), Non-aquatic balance exercise group (n=15), and a control group (n=13). The intervention programs comprised aquatic and Non-aquatic balance training. Fall risk, the primary outcome, was measured by the Biodex balance system before and after the intervention. One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were used for analyzing data. Results: After 4 weeks training, the Mean±SD fall risk score significantly decreased from 3.49±1.14 to 2.59±1.22 (P&lt;0.001) in the aquatic balance training group, from 3.21±0.62 to 2.19±0.62 (P&lt;0.001) in the Non-aquatic balance training group, and from 3.77±1.13 to 3.17±1.22 (P&lt;0.001) in the control group. Regarding between-group comparisons, we found significant differences between the Non-aquatic balance training group and the control group (P=0.03). Discussion: Despite the environment, the balance exercise program significantly improved fall risk scores among patients with grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis.

The effectiveness of balneotherapy and thermal aquatic exercise in postoperative persistent lumbar pain syndrome.

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of balneotherapy and aquatic exercises in patients with postoperative chronic low back pain. Forty-three patients over the age of 18 who had been operated on for herniated disc and who had at least 6months of back and/or leg pain were included in the study. The patients have been distributed randomly into 2 groups prior to the treatment. The program comprising aquatic exercises distributed into 5days a week for 2weeks and 20min (min) a day, in a 33°C spa pool was applied to the first group. After the first group's treatment was completed, a program consisting of walking out of the pool and strengthening and stretching exercises for the hip, abdominal, back, and waist muscles was distributed into 5days a week for 2weeks for a total duration of 20min per day was applied to both groups. The patients subjected to the study were evaluated before treatment, after treatment (2nd week), and at 1st and 6th months after treatment. The Visual Analogue Scale, Modified Schober Test, Finger-to-Floor Distance, Sorensen Test, Progressive Iso-inertial Lifting Evaluation, Rolland Morris Disability Index, Leeds Disability Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Nottingham Health Profile, and Short Form 36 Health Survey parameters were evaluated. We detected a significant improvement in all parameters except for the Sorensen test, in both groups. We observed that the changes in VAS, Sorensen, NHP, and SF 36 tests in the aquatic exercise group were significantly better than those in the non-aquatic exercise group.

Aquatic Exercise and Land Exercise Treatments after Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty in Elderly Women: A Comparative Study.

Background and Objectives: Early intensive exercise after total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA) has become increasingly popular due to its ability to enhance knee physical function and reduce pain. When implemented exclusively, aquatic exercise (AE) appears to be more advantageous than land exercise (LE), particularly in the early phase after TKRA. Our study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of AE and LE with respect to their effects on pain and physical function after TKRA. Materials and Methods: Between February 2008 and January 2020, 100 female patients who underwent TKRA were enrolled in this retrospective study. We measured the range of motion (ROM) of the knee, the isokinetic strength of the knee joint (function), and pain both initially and one month after TKRA. Two weeks after TKRA, the participants were enrolled in either the AE or the LE program for a total of two weeks. Two 30 min sessions of intensive ROM and knee strengthening exercises and balance training were provided to the AE and LE groups for 10 days. The home exercise group (HE) only received information on ROM and strengthening exercises. There were 33, 21, and 46 patients allocated to the AE, LE, and HE groups, respectively. Results: The ROM of the side on which surgery was performed improved significantly in all groups, as did the pain scores. In the AE group, the knee flexor strength showed a tendency toward improvement. Contrastingly, there was no significant improvement in the knee extensor strength in the AE group. Conclusions: Overall, the AE and LE groups showed superior outcomes compared with HE. In addition, the AE group demonstrated some improvement in knee muscle strength even with a short hospital stay. Further study with long-term follow-up should be performed to better define the outcomes.

12주간 수중 밴드 운동프로그램 참여가 여성 노인의 근력, 유연성, 우울감에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study is conducted to identify the effects of underwater resistance exercise using elastic bands on muscle strength, flexibility, and psychological depression in elderly women.<BR> Method: The subjects of the study were divided into aquatic band exercise group (n=8), aquatic exercise group (n=8), and control group (n=8). Muscle strength, flexibility, and psychological depression were measured according to participation in exercise for 12 weeks. The difference between groups was identified through the analysis of repeated measured one-way ANOVA, and the post-hoc was using LSD.<BR> Results: The results are as follows. 1. Aquatic band exercise group showed a significant difference in muscle strength at the peak torque and total work of 90°/sec knee joint flexion compared to the aquatic exercise group and control group. 2. Aquatic band exercise group showed a significant difference inflexibility compared to the aquatic exercise group and control group. 3. Aquatic band exercise group showed a significant difference in psychological depression compared to the aquatic exercise group and control group. <BR> Conclusion: In summary, Aquatic band exercises are effective in improving the muscle strength and flexibility of the elderly woman. Psychological depression is also reduced, which was found to be effective in improving the quality of life.

The effect of water-based intervention on sleep habits and two sleep-related cytokines in children with autism

ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that children with autism have sleep disturbances and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aquatic exercise on sleep habits and two certain sleep-related cytokines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). MethodsForty boys with ASD (aged 6–14) were recruited and randomly assigned to an aquatic exercise (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Participants in aquatic exercise group performed water-based activities for 10 weeks/2 sessions per week/60 min, while control group didn't get any intervention. The serum levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and sleep quality were measured before and after the intervention. ResultsResults revealed that aquatic exercise may improve sleep quality and reduce the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in children with ASD compared to control group. ConclusionsOverall, it is recommended that physicians and educators should provide a safe and effective exercise environment for ASD children to alleviate sleep issues and inflammatory biomarkers.

Exercise training and burdock root (Arctium lappa L.) extract independently improve abdominal obesity and sex hormones in elderly women with metabolic syndrome

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing among the elderly, and new lifestyle-based treatment strategies are warranted. We conducted a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of the effects of aquatic exercise (AE) and/or consumption of burdock root extract (BE) on body composition and serum sex hormones, i.e., testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) in elderly women with MS. The percentage of abdominal fat was decreased in the AE group. Waist circumference was increased in the control (CON) group, but not in the other groups. SHBG and estradiol levels were enhanced by both AE and BE and correlated with changes in fat-related body composition. DHEA-S levels only increased in the BE group, which was consistent with changes in lean body mass. Testosterone levels decreased in the CON group, which correlated with changes in lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat, and waist circumference. Our findings suggested that the combined AE/BE intervention exerted no synergistic and/or additive effects on any sex-related outcome measures in elderly women with MS.

Pilot Study to Investigate the Effect of a 10-Week Aquatic Exercise Program on Individuals With High Levels of Disability Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Purpose: Research has suggested that a properly designed and implemented aquatic exercise (AE) program can improve physiological function and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes in individuals with minimal disability levels due to multiple sclerosis (MS). Minimal research has investigated AE in individuals with higher levels of disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate a 10-week AE program on walking speed and QOL outcomes, specifically the effect of fatigue, in individuals with higher levels of disability due to MS, at an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 5.0 and 6.5. Methods: Fifteen females and 4 males with relapsing-remitting MS, mean age 46.4 years ± 10.0, EDSS score 5.9 ± 0.4, and disease duration 10.4 years ± 6.5. The AE group was individually modified and performed 3 times per week for 45 minutes at a rating of perceived exertion of 11 to 13 for 10 weeks. Prior to and upon completion of structured AE intervention, subjects performed the following tests: Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI), and 25-ft Water Walk Test. Results: Improvement in the MSFC (P = .001) was noted in all 3 MSFC components: 25-ft Water Walk Test (P = .020), 9-Hole Peg Test (P = .006), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (P = .005). Improvements in the following subtests of the MSQLI were noted: SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) physical and mental component summary (PCS, P = .006) (MCS, P = .009); Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (P = .006); Pain Effects Scale (P = .006); Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (P = .003); and Mental Health Inventory (P = .040). Discussion and Conclusions: Results suggest that a 10-week AE program for individuals with MS improved walking speed, arm function, memory, mental health, and generic QOL and reduced fatigue, pain, and perceived cognitive impairment in individuals with moderate to severe disability without adverse symptoms.

A Study Using Ultrasonography as an Assessment Tool to Compare the Effectiveness of a Structured Land and Aquatic Based Exercise Program on Overweight and Obese Health-Care Professionals

Context: Overweight and obesity being a health hazard for people of any age and profession requires an effective treatment protocol for weight loss. The benefits of land and aquatic exercises on obesity have been researched individually. Clinical trials are lacking where effectiveness of a structured exercise program in water and on land was compared for weight loss on health care professionals. Aim: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness between structured land and aquatic-based exercises on anthropometric measures, serum lipid level, and body fat. Settings and Design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the tertiary health-care center of Belagavi. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two overweight or obese health care professionals were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into two groups, i.e., aquatic and land exercise group. An exercise program for 6 days a week for 3 week was performed. The study outcomes included were ultrasonographic assessment of abdominal obesity along with blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Statistical Analysis used: SPSS Version 23.0 was used for analysis. Pre and post data were compared and analyzed using paired t-test. Results: Statistically significant reduction in body fat percentage with respect to anthropometric measurements, serum lipid levels, and fat thickness was observed in both the groups. However, there was a greater change in the mean difference of the aqua group as compared to the land group which suggests structured exercises in water are more effective than on land. Conclusions: The current study concludes that a structured exercise program for 3 weeks in water for overweight and obese health-care professionals showed better outcomes compared to land exercises.

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.

Effects of photobiomodulation and swimming on gene expression in rats with the tibialis anterior muscle injury.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy (LLLT)) and aquatic exercise on the expression of genes related to muscle regeneration in rats. Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group (n = 15), non-treated injury group (n = 15), injury+LLLT group (n = 15), injury+aquatic exercise group (n = 15), and injury+LLLT+aquatic exercise group (n = 15). Cryoinjury was performed on the belly of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. LLLT was performed daily with an AlGaAs laser (830 nm; beam spot of 0.0324 cm2, output power of 100 mW, energy density of 180 J/cm2, and 58-s exposure time). Animals were euthanized at 7, 14, and 21 days. The TA muscles were removed for gene expression analysis of TGF-β, Myogenin, and MyoD. The results were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. The cryoinjury increased the expression of genes related to muscle regeneration-MyoD, Myogenin, and TGF-β-compared to the control group (p < 0.05); the photobiomodulation increased the expression of these genes at day 7 (p < 0.05), decreasing until day 21; and the aquatic exercise increases the expression of the three genes over time. When the two treatments were combined, the expression of the analyzed genes also increased over time. In summary, the results of our study suggest that photobiomodulation (LLLT), when applied alone in cryoinjury, is able to increase the gene expression of MyoD, Myogenin, and TGF-β at the acute phase, while when combined with aquatic exercises, there is an increase in expression of these genes specially at the long-term treatment.