Aquatic Exercise Group Research Articles

Comparison of the Effects of Exercise by Chronic Stroke Patients in Aquatic and Land Environments

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of land exercise and aquatic exercise on chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into a land exercise group (12 males and 10 females; average age: 56.09 ± 7.22 years) and an aquatic exercise group (15 males and 7 females; average age: 51.55 ± 8.27 years). Subjects from both groups received general conventional treatment during the experimental period. In addition, all subjects engaged in extra treatment sessions. This extra treatment consisted of trunk stability strengthening exercises and balance training exercises in the land exercise group, whereas in the aquatic exercise group subjects participated in balance board exercises and walking exercises using buoyancy equipment in the hospital swimming pool. [Results] The joint position sense test and performance oriented mobility assessment showed significant improvements in both groups. However, the joint position sense test and performance oriented mobility assessment showed there was more improvement in the aquatic exercise group than in the land exercise group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that aquatic exercise is more effective than land exercise at improving the joint position sense and clinical functions of stroke patients.

The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on the Peak Torque and Stability of Knee Joints of Elderly Women

Purpose) The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aquatic exercise using Taekwondo Poomsae motions on the peak torque and stability of elderly women's knee joints. (Subjects) The study subjects were conducted with 23 elderly women who were divided into an Aquatic Exercise Group (AEG, n=12) and a Control Group (CG, n=11). (Methods) The knee joint peak torque was assessed using an ISOMED 2000 (D&R GmbH, Germany) and the stability was analyzed using a Balance System SD (BIODEX, U.S.A). (Results) Based on the results of the analysis of changes in knee joint peak torque and stability, the AEG showed significant improvement in all items of knee joint peak torque (RFF, RFE, LFF, LFE) and stability (O, A/P, M/L) after the intervention compared to before the intervention, while the CG did not show any significant changes. (Conclusion) Aquatic exercises using Taekwondo Poomsae motions can be utilized as a new exercise program to help reinforce

The Effects on Muscle Strength and Visual Analog Scale Pain of Aquatic Therapy for individuals with Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ten weeks of aquatic therapy exercise would increase low back muscle strength and reduce low back pain in 19 elderly subjects. [Subjects] Nineteen low back disorder patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an aquatic therapy exercise group (n=9), and a control group (n=10). [Methods] The aquatic therapy group participated five times a week for ten weeks in an aquatic exercise designed to strengthen the low back muscles. Data collection was done using a Cybex-770 system. [Results] The results show that the aquatic exercise significantly reduced visual analog scale pain by 52.1%. Significant improvements in low back muscle strength were found in the aquatic therapy group on peak torque of flexor in 180/sec by 48.31% and on peak torque of extensor in 180/sec by 152.85% . [Conclusion] Based on the results, we conclude that the ten weeks of aquatic therapy exercise can enhance low back muscle strength and reduce low back pain in elderly women.

Effects of aquatic exercise and land-based exercise on postural sway in elderly with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Background: Knee Osteoarthritis (knee OA) is the most common joint disease in the elderly. It is a major cause of walking disability and balance impairment. The balance impairment or increase postural sway may result in increased risk of fall. Objectives: Compare effects of aquatic exercise and land-based exercise on postural sway and physical performance (pain, quality of life, leg muscle strength and leg muscle flexibility) in the elderly with knee OA. Subjects and methods: Fifty elderly women with knee OA were recruited for this study. They were randomized into aquatic exercise (n=25) and land-based exercise group (n=25). Postural sway views by anterior-posterior amplitude, medio-lateral amplitude, and total area were measured in subjects with eye opened or closed during double and single leg stance after six-week training, using the Force platform. Functional outcome was tested by the modified WOMAC. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and pain scale were tested by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Leg muscle strength was measured by chair stand, and leg muscle flexibility was measured by sit-andreach test. Aquatic group exercised at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital therapeutic pool, while landbased group exercised at home. Results: In comparing postural sway before and after exercise, reduction in postural sway and pain, and increase in strength, the aquatic group were significantly better than those for land-based group (p <0.05). WOMAC, KOOS scores, and sit-and-reach test after six-weeks training were improved after exercise, but these were not significantly different between groups (p >0.05). Conclusion: Elderly patients with knee OA need exercise to improve balance and reduce sway. Six-week aquatic exercise was better than land-based exercise in sway reduction.

Aquatic Versus Land-based Exercises as Early Functional Rehabilitation for Elite Athletes with Acute Lower Extremity Ligament Injury: A Pilot Study

To compare outcomes between aquatic and land-based exercises during early-phase recovery from acute lower extremity ligament injuries in elite athletes. A single-blinded, covariate adaptive randomized, controlled study. National training center for elite athletes. Twenty-two athletes with isolated grade I or II ligament injury in ankles or knees were randomized into either an aquatic or land-based exercise group. Early functional rehabilitation program (ranging, strengthening, proprioceptive training, and functional exercises) was performed in both groups. All exercises were identical except for the training environment. Data were collected at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; static stability (overall stability index [OSI] level 5 and 3); dynamic stability (TCT), and percentage single-limb support time (%SLST). Both groups showed decreases in VAS, OSI 5 and 3, and TCT, with a concomitant increase in %SLST at 2 and 4 weeks (P < .05). No significant differences were detected between the 2 groups in any of the outcome measures. However, the line graphs for VAS, OSI 3, TCT, and %SLST in the aquatic exercise group were steeper than those in the land-based exercise group indicating significant group by time interactions (P < .05). These data indicate that the aquatic exercise group improved more rapidly than the land-based exercise group. For elite athletes with acute ligament sprains in the lower limb, aquatic exercises may provide advantages over standard land-based therapy for rapid return to athletic activities. Consequently, aquatic exercise could be recommended for the initial phase of a rehabilitation program.

수중운동이 미만성 뇌손상 백서의 전정-운동 및 GAP-43 발현에 미치는 영향

본 논문은 산업화와 교통 환경의 발달로 인해 최근 들어 발생빈도가 크게 증가되고 있는 외상성 뇌손상을 대상으로 하여, 치료적 운동의 적용에 있어 수중운동의 뇌신경 가소성에 미치는 영향과 전정-운동에 대한 영향에 대해 알아보고자 한 연구이다. 수중운동이라는 운동학적 특성을 통해 기능적 독립을 위해선 반드시 전제되어야 하는 뇌신경 가소성과 전정-운동 기능의 회복에 어떠한 영향을 주는지를 알아보기 위하여 80마리의 백서를 대상으로 4군으로 나누고, 3주간 서로 다른 방식의 운동 훈련(실험군 I: 대조군, II: 수중운동군, III: 속도 및 경사 조절 트레드밀 운동군, IV: 단순 트레드밀 운동군)을 적용하여 전정-운동 기능에 미치는 영향을 Rota-Rod 검사를 통해 알아보고, 신경가소성에 대한 영향성에 대해서는 대뇌피질에서의 GAP-43 인자를 조직면역화학적 방법으로 검사해 보았다. 연구결과, 수중운동을 적용한 군에서, 다른 군들에 비해 뇌신경 가소성에 긍정적이고도 유의한 영향을 미칠 수 있음을 확인할 수 있었으며, 전정-운동 기능 향상에 있어서도 다른 군들에 비해 유의한 향상 효과를 나타내었다. 이는 물이 가지고 있는 다양한 감각적 특성과 환경적 상황이 뇌손상으로 인해 불안정한 신체의 운동에 긍정적인 영향을 미치기 때문인 것으로 사료된다. The purposes of this study were to examine whether aquatic exercise has influence on the neuroplasticity and vestibulo-motor function in diffuse brain injury rats. 80 Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups; Group I: control group (n=20), Group II: aquatic exercise (n=20), Group III: treadmill exercise with change of velocity and inclination (n=20), Group IV: simple treadmill exercise (n=20). And we applied exercise each groups for 3 weeks except Group I. Before the rats were sacrificed to identify immunohistochemistry study at each time of measurement day, Rota-Rod test was given to assess changes in vestibulomotor function. then, the immunohistochemistry study of GAP-43 in discrete regions of the rat brain was performed to measure changes in neuroplasticity. The results demonstrate that aquatic exercise group is more effective than other groups. expression of GAP-43 and vestibulo-motor function were increased most in aquatic exercise group. Therefore, this study suggest that aquatic exercise may effective therapeutic approach to increase neuroplasticity and vestibulo-motor function in traumatic brain injury.

수중운동과 Drynariae Rhizoma 투여가 골다공증 백서의 골밀도 및 골강도에 미치는 효과

This study conducted the following experiment to examine effects of bone metabolism on aquatic exercise, Drynariae Rhizoma and aquatic exercise with Drynariae Rhizoma. This experiment was conducted to compare bone strength, bone mineral density, weight, change of femur, osteocalcin, ALP, Ca and P effects by aquatic exercise for 6 weeks, Drynariae Rhizoma and Drynariae Rhizoma for aquatic exercise with 40 SD rats of postoophorectomy osteoporosis and it divided 10 subjects. experiment group (I) is applying postoophorectomy osteoporosis group, (II) is applying aquatic exercise group, (III) is applying Drynariae Rhizoma group and (IV) is applying aquatic exercise with Drynariae Rhizoma group. These result lead us to the conclusion that osteocalcin were showed a statically increase and blood Ca level were showed a statically decrease on other groups compare to group(I). Consequently, aquatic exercise and Drynariae Rhizoma would be lead to increment of bone metabolism on postoophorectomy osteoporosis.

Clinical Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise to Treat Chronic Low Back Pain

This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. To compare the effectiveness of aquatic exercise interventions with land-based exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Land-based exercise and physiotherapy are the main treatment tools used for CLBP. Clinical experience indicates that aquatic exercise may have advantages for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 65 patients with CLBP were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive aquatic exercise or land-based exercise treatment protocol. Aquatic exercise program consisted of 20 sessions, 5 x per week for 4 weeks in a swimming pool at 33 degrees C. Land-based exercise (home-based exercise) program were demonstrated by a physiotherapist on one occasion and then they were given written advice The patients were assessed for spinal mobility, pain, disability, and quality of life. Evaluations were performed before treatment (week 0) and after treatment (week 4 and week 12). In both groups, statistically significant improvements were detected in all outcome measures (except modified Schober test) compared with baseline. However, improvement in modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire and physical function and role limitations due to physical functioning subpart of Short-Form 36 Health Survey were better in aquatic exercise group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that a water-based exercises produced better improvement in disability and quality of life of the patients with CLBP than land-based exercise.

Effects of a Short-Term Aquatic Resistance Program on Strength and Body Composition in Fit Young Men

This study was designed to analyze the effects of a short-term periodized aquatic resistance program (PARP) on upper-limb maximum strength, leg muscular power, and body composition (BC) in fit young men. Twenty subjects (21.2 +/- 1.17 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group; 12 subjects completed the study. The aquatic exercise group (AEG; n = 7) participated in an 8-week supervised program of 3 d x wk, and the control group (CG; n = 5) maintained their regular activities. The PARP consisted of a total-body resistance exercise workout using aquatic devices that increased drag force, with a cadence of movement controlled and adjusted individually for each exercise and subject. The volume and intensity of the program were increased progressively. Submaximal tests were carried out to determine the change in upper-limb maximum strength, as well as a squat-jump test to determine the change in leg muscular power. Four skinfold sites, 6 circumference sites, body weight, and stature were used to determine changes in BC. A significant increase in upper-limb maximum strength and leg muscular power was observed for the AEG. A significant increase also was noted in the circumference and muscular area of the arm, and there were significant decreases in pectoral and abdominal skinfolds. Nevertheless, the circumference, muscular area, and local fat of the lower limbs did not change. There were no significant changes in any variables in the CG. These results indicate that the PARP produces significant improvements in muscular strength, power, and fat-free mass and, thus, seems to be a very effective form of resistance exercise.

Taking it to the Water: Balance Training Programs in Aquatic Environments can Lower the Risk Factors for Falls in High-Risk Older Adults.

Land-based exercise programs that target balance and mobility deficits constitute an effective strategy for lowering fall risk and fall incidence rates (Rubenstein et al, 2000; Lord et al. 2003) among older adults at different levels of fall risk. While aquatic exercise programs also afford multiple health benefits for groups of healthy, albeit sedentary older adults (Bravo et al., 1997; Douris et al, 2003), it remains to be determined whether tailored aquatic exercise programs can positively influence balance, gait, and other important risk factors associated with falls in "at-risk" older adult groups. PURPOSE: A single-blind randomized clinical controlled trial was conducted to examine the short-term efficacy of a multidimensional balance and mobility program delivered in an aquatic setting on multiple risk factors associated with falls. METHODS: A total of 61 community-residing older adults (M = 75 years, SD = 8.62) identified at moderate-to-high risk for falls were randomly assigned to an Aquatic Exercise (AE) or Usual Activity (UA) control group. The AE group attended 2 X 60 minute sessions per week for 12 weeks and performed progressive water-based activities designed to improve balance, gait, upper and lower-body strength, and balance-related self-confidence. RESULTS: The results of repeated measures analyses of variance revealed significant Group X Time interactions for upper (p < .005) and lower body strength (p < .01), balance (p < .01), and balance-related self-confidence (p < .03). No significant group differences were evident for gait velocity at preferred or maximum speed following the intervention although a positive trend was evident for gait velocity at the preferred speed in the AE group. CONCLUSIONS: The aquatic-based balance and mobility program was effective in significantly reducing known risk factors for falls (e.g., balance and lower body weakness) in a group of "at-risk" older adults. Between-group effect sizes further indicated that the improvements observed in three of the four measures were clinically significant. Balance-related self-confidence was also significantly enhanced as a function of the aquatic exercise program. The long-term effects of aquatic exercise on both the perceived and actual risk for falls require further investigation.

Effectiveness of aquatic therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled open study

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aquatic exercises in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 63 patients were included and allocated to two groups. Group I (n = 33) received an aquatic exercise program and Group II (n = 30) received a home-based exercise program for 60 min, 3x a week, over 5 weeks. Patients were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), number of tender points (NTP), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and functional capacity (fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, FIQ). All assessment parameters were measured at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. There were statistically significant differences in FIQ and NTP in both groups at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.05). Group I showed a statistically significant decrease in BDI scores after 4 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05) that remained after 24 weeks (P < 0.001). In Group II, a significant decrease in BDI scores was observed at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.001). Also, a significant improvement was found in VAS at weeks 4 and 12 in both groups (P < 0.001). The average of reduction in pain scores was 40% in Group1 and 21% in Group II. However, this was still significant at week 24 only in the aquatic therapy group. A comparison of the two groups showed no statistically significant difference for FIQ, NTP, and BDI scores except VAS (P < 0.001) Our results showed that both aquatic therapy and home-based exercise programs have beneficial effects on FIQ, BDI, and NTP. In pain management, only aquatic therapy seems to have long-term effects.

Hydrotherapy study in patients with “failed back surgery syndrome” – a therapeutic option?

The study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of hydrotherapy on “failed back surgery syndrome”. Eight participants were assigned to an aquatic exercise group. The analgesic medication was withdrawn during the study. Evaluation parameters included the results of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and spine mobility. The patients were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 6-week follow-up period. The results showed that hydrotherapy had a positive impact on the outcome of chronic post-surgical low back pain. After 6 weeks of hydrotherapy, without analgesic medication, the overall mobility of the spine improved and back pain decreased. We conclude that aquatic exercises may positively impact the outcome of “failed back surgery syndrome”, probably remaining one of the few successful measures in the management of this kind of patient.

Effects of a Combined Aquatic Exercise and Walking in Sedentary Obese Females Undergoing a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention

Background: The effects of the non-weight bearing method of aquatic exercise as a modality for weight loss have not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combined aquatic exercise and walking program compared to walking alone on body weight and selected variables in obese females undergoing a 16-week Standard Behavioral Treatment (SBT) program. Methods: Forty-four obese (BMI 34.9 ± 3.8 kg·m2) sedentary women (age=40.3 years ± 6.8 yrs) were randomly assigned to either an aquatic exercise (AE) group or a traditional walking (W) exercise only group. Both groups were also required to complete 3 sessions of home based walking per week, and reduce energy intake to facilitate weight loss. Results: In the AE group, total body weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, strength, and health-related quality of life outcomes significantly improved over time similar to the W group. Significantly greater enjoyment scores also occurred in the AE group. Conclusion: Aquatic exercise in combination with walking can serve as an alternative to walking exercise alone for overweight women during periods of weight loss, and this can improve functional health status.

Evaluation of an aquatics programme on fitness parameters of individuals with a brain injury

The primary objective was to determine the effect of an aquatic exercise programme on the physical fitness of people with a brain injury. A pre-test–post-test randomized-groups design was conducted. Sixteen outpatients with a brain injury were included in the study. Eight participants were assigned to an aquatic exercise group and eight to a control group. The components of physical fitness measured included cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility. Measurements were taken pre- and post-programme. Results indicated an increase in components of physical fitness for the experimental group but not the control group. Increases in fitness were reported as having a positive impact on the functional capacity of individuals in the exercise group as well as enhancing the individual's ability to complete activities of daily living successfully. Results indicate that aquatic exercise may positively impact the primary and secondary physical injuries caused by a brain injury.

The Effects of Aquatic Exercise and On-Land Exercise in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

1480 PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of aquatic exercise and on-land exercise on hemodynamic responses and physical fitness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in KOREA. METHODS: Thirty patients with coronary artery disease, who had successful Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Stent Implantation three weeks ago, were participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups, i.e., aquatic exercise group (AE, N = 10, 57.1 ± 4.0 yrs), on-land exercise group (OE, N = 10, 55.1 ± 5.0 yrs) and control group (CON, N = 10, 55.3 ± 5.8 yrs). All the subjects performed maximal exercise test and physical fitness testing; the treadmill test by Bruce protocol was used for hemodynamic responses. Physical fitness test were cardiopulmonary endurance (treadmill test: gas analysis), muscle strength (grip strength, back lift), muscle endurance (sit up), flexibility (trunk flexion), balance (standing on one foot with closed eyes). Those tests were repeated at an interval of three months. Subjects in the AE group completed the exercise training sessions, which consisted of endurance exercise performing for 30.60min/session, 3d/week at the intensity of RPE 11. Subjects in the OE group completed the exercise training sessions, which consisted of endurance exercise performing for 30.60min/session, 3d/week at the intensity of same energy expenditure(300Kcal) with AE. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis setting the significance level at 0.05. RESULTS: Among those three groups, hemodynamic responses have been as follows: In AE group, resting rate pressure product was decreased significantly (10413.0 ± 2283.7 vs. 7315 ± 1318.7 bpm × mmHg, p < .05) compared to the CON. On the other hand, rest diastolic blood pressure was increased (69.0 ± 10.3 vs. 79.8 ± 8.9 mmHg, p < .05) in OE group and peak heart rate also was increased significantly (136.1 ± 20.1 vs. 149.6 ± 20.2 bpm, p < .05) in OE group compared to the CON. Even though no outstanding differences were showed in physical fitness all variables have been improved after three months of the AE and OE training. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the AE and OE are helpful to get affirmative progress in hemodynamic response and physical fitness. Accordingly, it is suggested that AE training be involved in cardiac rehabilitation program.

Effects of arthritis exercise programs on functional fitness and perceived activities of daily living measures in older adults with arthritis

Objective To ascertain the effectiveness of the National Arthritis Foundation (NAF) aquatic and on-land exercise programs on functional fitness and perceived ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) measures in older adults with arthritis. Design The effects of aquatic and on-land exercise intervention programs were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance by using a planned comparison approach with an independent 3×2 (group by test) design. ω 2 analyses were used to ascertain the relative treatment magnitude of each dependent variable. Setting Testing in an indoor track facility; exercise programs conducted in community settings. Participants A volunteer sample of 30 men and women with arthritis (osteoarthritis, n=22; rheumatoid arthritis, n=8), randomly assigned into either an aquatic exercise (n=10), on-land exercise (n=10), or control group (n=10). Intervention Eight-week on-land and aquatic exercise program. Main outcome measures Functional fitness, ADLs, and hand-held dynamometry measures assessed on a 1-day pretest and posttest session, before and after an 8-week exercise program. Results Aquatic and on-land exercise subjects showed significant improvements on 9 of 12 functional fitness, 3 of 4 ADLs, and 7 of 8 hand-held isometric strength tests after their respective exercise programs. No significant changes were found in any of these measures for the control group. Conclusion Both NAF exercise programs appear to be effective in improving functional physical fitness and perceived ability to perform ADL measures in older adults with arthritis.

Effects of aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance in healthy women

TAPANI PÖYHÖNEN, SARIANNA SIPILÄ, KARI L. KESKINEN, ARTO HAUTALA, JUKKA SAVOLAINEN, and ESKO MÄLKIÄ. Effects of aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance in healthy women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 34, No. 12, pp. 2103–2109, 2002. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a progressive 10-wk aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance and muscle mass of the knee extensors and flexors in healthy women. Methods Twenty-four healthy women (34.2 ± 3.9 yr) were randomly assigned into aquatic exercise (N = 12) and control group (N = 12). Maximum knee extension and flexion torques were measured isometrically and at constant angular velocities of 60°·s−1 and 180°·s−1 (isokinetic) with simultaneous electromyography (EMG) recordings of the quadriceps and hamstrings. The lean muscle mass (LCSA) of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was determined by computed tomography scanning. Results Significant interaction of group by time was observed in each of the measured parameters. The change in extension and flexion isometric/isokinetic torque varied between 8 and 13% and in EMGs between 10 and 27% in the exercise group. The change in the quadriceps LCSA of the exercise group was 4% and in hamstrings 5.5%. Conclusions The results of the present study showed that 10 wk of progressive aquatic resistance training resulted in significant improvement in muscle torque of the knee extensors and flexors accompanied with proportional improvement in neural activation and with significant increase in the LCSA of the trained muscles. Aquatic training can be recommended for neuromuscular conditioning in healthy persons.

The Effects of Aquatic and Traditional Exercise Programs on Persons With Knee Osteoarthritis

The purpose of the study was to detect if increases in functional levels for patients with osteoarthritis show differences between an aquatic exercise program and a land-based exercise program. Forty-six subjects between the ages of 45 and 70 years participated in 1 of 2 exercise groups. Pre- and posttest measurements included knee range of motion (ROM), thigh girth, subjective pain scale, and time for a 1-mile walk. Both exercise groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in all measurements between pre- and posttests. There were no significant differences between the aquatic exercise group and the land-based exercise group pertaining to knee ROM, thigh girth, and time for a 1-mile walk. Subjective pain levels were significantly less in the aquatic group when compared with the land-based group. This study concludes that both aquatic and land-based exercise programs are beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis.

Postural sway characteristics in women with lower extremity arthritis before and after an aquatic exercise intervention

Objective: To examine the reliability of postural sway assessment in women with lower extremity arthritis and to ascertain the effects of an aquatic exercise intervention program on these measures.Design: The reliability of postural sway measures was analyzed by within-subjects (Subject times Trial) analysis of variance (ANOVA). The effects of aquatic exercise were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using a planned comparison approach with an independent 2 × 2 (Group times Test) design.Setting: Testing in a motor control research laboratory; aquatic exercise in a warm water pool at an area YMCA.Participants: Volunteer sample, 24 women with lower extremity arthritis (rheumatoid [RA] n = 11, osteo [OA] n = 13) randomly assigned into an aquatic exercise group (n = 14) or control group (n = 10).Intervention: Postural sway measures under a two-legged stance test on two separate test days: day 1, pretest; day 2, posttest, administered after a 6-week aquatic exercise program.Results: Reliability correlation coefficients for postural sway measures ranged from .64 to .94 for both subject groups. Aquatic exercise subjects significantly reduced lateral sway and total sway area scores (by 18% to 30%) under both visual conditions after the 6-week intervention. Postural sway scores were significantly higher under the no-vision condition than under the vision condition in each group for both test sessions. Both OA and RA groups had normal sagittal/lateral ratio scores.Conclusion: Women with lower extremity arthritis can be reliably assessed on postural sway measures on a stable two-legged stance test. Although they had normal sagittal/lateral sway ratio scores (ie, scores typical for nonarthritic peers), vision played an important role in their postural stability for this balance task. Aquatic exercise reduced postural sway in women with lower extremity arthritis, as demonstrated by a two-legged stance test, and this exercise program appears to be a viable treatment for increasing postural stability in this population.

The efficacy of aquatic exercise in increasing strength

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of aquatic exercise in increasing strength. Eighteen volunteers participated. The aquatic exercise group consisted of three males and eight females (n= 11; mean age 27.2 (±4.8) years). The control group consisted of one male and six females (n= 7; mean age 31.1 (±5.9) years). The concentric peak torque for both groups was tested on an isokinetic dynamometer prior to and following the eight week aquatic exercise program. Peak torque (N · m) was determined for right knee (flexion and extension), elbow (flexion and extension), and shoulder (abduction and adduction) for all subjects at 90, 120, and 180 degrees ‐s−1. Strength improvement occurred only in the aquatic exercise group. Further research is indicated in which the exercise session itself or the training period continues longer with serial strength measures to evaluate the pattern of response in strength gain from aquatic activity.