Aquatic Exercise Intervention 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 exercise program versus on-land exercise program on cancer-related fatigue, neuropathy, activity and participation, quality of life, and return to work for cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise has shown positive effects on fatigue, exhaustion, neuropathy, and quality of life in cancer patients. While on-land exercises have been studied, the aquatic environment offers unique advantages. Water's density and viscosity provide resistance, enhancing muscle strength, while hydrostatic pressure improves venous return. This trial aims to investigate the effect of aquatic exercises on time to return to work, work hours, work-related difficulties, daily life activity and participation, quality of life, exhaustion, fatigue, and neuropathy among cancer patients, compared to on-land exercise intervention group and a non-exercise group.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial will include 150 cancer patients aged 18–65 years with stage III colon cancer or breast cancer patients with lymph node involvement. Participants in the aquatic exercise intervention group will undergo an 8-week, twice-weekly group-based Ai-Chi program, while the on-land exercise group will perform identical exercise. The control group will not engage in any exercise.The primary outcome will be assessed using an employment barriers questionnaire, capturing return to work date and working hours and daily life participation and activity and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include exhaustion, fatigue, and neuropathy. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and at 3,12, and 24 months. Mixed variance analyses will explore relationships among groups and over time for independent variables, with separate analyses for each dependent variable.DiscussionThe potential benefits include an earlier return to work for patients, reducing their need for social and economic support. The study's implications on socio-economic policies are noteworthy, as a successful intervention could offer a cost-effective and non-invasive solution, improving patients' quality of life and increasing their participation in daily activities. This, in turn, could lead to a faster return to work, contributing to both personal well-being and broader societal interests by reducing reliance on social services.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05427344 (22 June 2022).

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.

Scoping Review of Swimming and Aquatic Exercise Intervention Studies for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Scoping Review of Swimming and Aquatic Exercise Intervention Studies for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Scoping review of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Scoping review of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Effects of early aquatic exercise intervention on trunk strength and functional recovery of patients with lumbar fusion: a randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the effectiveness of an early aquatic exercise program on trunk muscle function and functional recovery of patients with lumbar fusion. Twenty-eight subjects were divided into two equal groups. Patients in the aquatic group performed two 60-min aquatic exercise sessions and three 60-min home exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks, whereas those in the control group performed five sessions of 60-min home exercises per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcomes were the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the secondary outcomes were Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength, lumbopelvic stability, and lumbar multifidus muscle thickness measured pre- and post-intervention. Compared with participants in the control group, those in the experimental group showed significant improvement in NPRS, ODI, trunk extensor strength, lumbopelvic control, lumbar multifidus muscle thickness, and relative change in multifidus muscle thickness (significant time by group interactions, P < 0.05). Participants in both groups showed significant time effects (P < 0.001) for TUGT and trunk flexor strength outcome. Aquatic exercise combined with home exercise was superior to home exercise alone in reducing pain, disability and improving muscle strength, lumbopelvic stability, and lumbar multifidus muscle thickness.

The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Balance in Ambulatory Individuals With Down Syndrome: An Interventional Feasibility Study

Background: People with Down syndrome (DS) often present with ligamentous laxity, coordination difficulties, and decreased strength, which can lead to impaired balance. These impairments may contribute to delayed development of age-appropriate motor skills and can contribute to increased risk of falls. Although aquatic exercises have been found to improve balance in various populations, the effectiveness of aquatic exercise to improve balance for individuals with DS has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: Five participants with DS were tested using the second edition of the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS-2), while their parents completed the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. They then participated in an aquatic exercise intervention twice per week for 6 weeks. Following the 6-week intervention, the participants were tested again using the PBS-2 and the ABC scale. Results: Parents' ABC scores increased for 3 of the 5 participants, and there was a statistically significant difference between pre– and post–aquatic intervention PBS-2 total test scores for the group (P &lt; .05). Relevance: The results of this small feasibility study support the practicality of aquatic exercise to improve balance for children and young adults with DS. Further research using a larger sample size is recommended.

Pain neuroscience education improves quality of life when added to aquatic exercise therapy for women with fibromyalgia: randomized controlled clinical trial

Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adding Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) to an aquatic therapy protocol on pain, fibromyalgia (FMS) impact, quality of life and sleep. Materials and Methods Seventy-five women were randomly allocated into two groups: aquatic exercises (AEG, n = 36) and aquatic exercises + PNE (PNG, n = 39). The primary outcome was pain, and the secondary outcomes were FMS impact, quality of life, sleep and pain sensitivity (pressure pain thresholds – PPTs). Participants performed 45-min sessions of aquatic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks. PNG also received 4 PNE sessions during this period. Participants were assessed four times: initial (before treatment), after 6 weeks (intermediate) and 12 weeks (final) of treatment and after 12 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up). Results Both groups improved pain after treatment, with no difference between them (p > 0.05, partial ƞ2 0.10). FMS impact and PPTs improved after treatment with no difference between groups, and sleep did not change. Quality of life improved several domains for both groups, with slightly better results for the PNG, with low effect sizes between groups. Conclusions The present results show that the addition of PNE to an aquatic exercise intervention did not provide larger effects than aquatic exercises alone for people with FMS concerning pain intensity, but provided benefit for health-related quality of life for this population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03073642, version 2, April 1st, 2019). Perspective The addition of 4 Pain Neuroscience Education sessions to an aquatic exercises protocol did not add benefits for women with fibromyalgia syndrome on pain, fibromyalgia impact, and sleep, but improved quality of life and pain sensitivity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Aquatic exercises are commonly prescribed, but patient education is crucial for the treatment. The addition of Pain Neuroscience Education to an aquatic exercises protocol did not add benefits for women with fibromyalgia syndrome. The positive changes on quality of life and pain sensitivity that this combination led to had small effect sizes and did not achieve minimal important clinical difference.

History of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

History of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Effects of an Aquatic Physical Exercise Program on Ventilatory Parameters in People with Parkinson's Disease.

Problems in the respiratory system are the main cause of death in Parkinson's disease (PD). Ventilatory limitations can also be part of a vicious cycle involving physical-functional limitations (e.g., walking difficulties) and the patients' perception of fatigue. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of an aquatic physical exercise intervention program on ventilatory parameters, perception of fatigue, and gait capacity in participants with PD. This quasi-experimental study had a single group with repeated measures in four assessments, proposing an aquatic physical exercise intervention program. The inclusion criteria encompassed being in levels 1 to 4 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale and having a medical certificate for the activities. Assessments took place at 3-month intervals between them—the first period was the control, the second following the intervention, and the third period was the follow-up. The intervention had 25 biweekly sessions over 3 months. A total of 13 people (71.3 ± 5.61 years old) participated in the intervention, without significant differences in the control period. Between the intervention assessments, they had statistically significant differences in MIP, MEP, FVC, Tiffeneau index, MVV, and fatigue. The study demonstrated that the aquatic physical exercise intervention was effective for ventilatory outcomes and fatigue in people with PD.

Systematic review of the effect of aquatic therapeutic exercise in breast cancer survivors.

Aquatic therapeutic exercise can be equally effective or even superior to land-based exercise in improving several clinical variables. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the effects compared to land-based interventions particularly in breast cancer (BC) patients. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of aquatic therapeutic exercise on pain, shoulder mobility, lymphedema, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, pulmonary function, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and which parameters are effective compared to similar land-based interventions. The databases used were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, retrieving 145 articles. Eleven studies were included. Aquatic therapeutic exercise is feasible, safe, well tolerated and achieved high percentages of adherence. As for the assessed outcomes, moderate to large improvements were found compared to usual care or to land-based physical exercise interventions in pain, shoulder range of motion, pulmonary function, HRQoL, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Inconclusive results were found for lymphedema, body composition and CRF. Aquatic therapeutic exercise interventions using a combination of endurance, strength, mobility, stretching and breathing exercises resulted in improvements in common side effects of BC and its treatments. More studies on CRF, body composition and lymphedema need to be done to further evaluate the impact of the intervention on these outcomes.

A pilot study of aquatic prehabilitation in adults with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty \u2013 short term outcome

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is increasingly more prevalent and significant number of patients require knee arthroplasty. Although knee arthroplasty is generally successful, it takes months to recover physical function. Preoperative physical function is known to predict postoperative outcomes and exercise can improve preoperative physical function. However, patients with KOA have difficulty exercise on land due to pain and stiffness, while water exercise can be better tolerated. We hypothesized that preoperative water exercise to improve preoperative physical function will improve postoperative outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsWe enrolled 43 participants who were scheduled for elective TKA in 4–8 weeks and scored at or below 50th percentile in mobility assessment tool-sf (MAT-sf). All enrolled participants were assessed on 1) clinical osteoarthritis symptom severity using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 2) physical function using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 3) self-reported mobility using Mobility Assessment Tool-short form (MAT-sf), 4) depression using Geriatric Depression Scale-short form (GDS-sf), 5) cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Blood samples for high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were stored at − 80 °C then all samples were analyzed together. All the enrolled participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise intervention (AEI) or usual care group. Sixty minute sessions of AEI was conducted three times a week for 4–8 weeks. Participants in both groups were evaluated within 1 week before their scheduled surgery, as well as 4 weeks after the surgery.ResultsThe mean age was 67.1 (±6.2), 44% were female, 74% were White. There is no statistically significant difference in combined outcome of any complication, unscheduled ER visit, and disposition to nursing home or rehab facility by AEI. However, AEI was associated with more favorable outcomes: WOMAC scores (p < 0.01), chair-stand (p = 0.019), MAT-sf as well as improved depression (p = 0.043) and cognition (p = 0.008).Conclusion4–8 weeks of aquatic exercise intervention resulted in improved functional outcomes as well as improved depression and cognition in elderly patients undergoing TKA. A larger study is warranted to explore the role of water exercise in clinical and functional outcomes of TKA.

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.

The effect of aquatic and land exercises on pain, health related quality of life, kinesiophobia and disability in chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

This study aims to compare the effectiveness between aquatic exercise interventions and land-based exercises in the treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain.

Effects of 2 Models of Aquatic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Responses of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study—A Randomized Controlled Trial

There are a lack of clinical trials with suitable methodological quality that compare aquatic exercise training types in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and combined aquatic training on cardiorespiratory outcomes in patients with T2D. Untrained patients with T2D were randomized to receive an aerobic aquatic training, a combined aquatic training, or a procedure control in 3 weekly sessions for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. The intensities were from 85% to 100% of heart rate of anaerobic threshold and at maximal velocity for aerobic and resistance parts, respectively. Resting heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and its relation with VO2peak were evaluated. Participants were 59.0 (8.2) years old and 51% women. Intervention groups increased in VO2peak (aerobic aquatic training group: 4.48mL·kg-1·min-1, P = .004; combined aquatic training group: 5.27mL·kg-1·min-1; P = .006) and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold, whereas the control group presented an increase in oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and minimal change in VO2peak. Aerobic and combined aquatic exercise interventions improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with T2D.

Balneotherapy and hydrotherapy in chronic respiratory disease.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) belong to major noncommunicable diseases (NCD) targeted by World Health Organization (WHO) NCD Action Plan and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (STG) 3.4 to achieve 30% decline of mortality by the year 2030. Strong evidence is now available in the literature for therapeutic aquatic exercise interventions in improving health status of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients. However, gym-based exercises can be difficult for patients with COPD who are mainly elderly and often have co-morbidities—such as severe arthritis and obesity—which may impair their ability to exercise at an adequate intensity. Besides improving respiratory function and health status in COPD, exercise in water helps overcoming patient’s fears and promote socialization, contrasting the risk of depression, which is a major condition often associated with long term COPD condition. Susceptibility to respiratory infections plays a role in exacerbations of COPD. Sulphur-rich water inhalations improve muco-ciliary clearance, reduce inflammatory cytokines production and inflammatory mucosal infiltration, reduce elastase secretion by neutrophils, preserving elastic properties of pulmonary interstitium and thus facilitating expectoration. Repeated cold water stimulations in COPD also reduce frequency of infections. Finally, sauna bathing reduces the risk of pneumonia. On the other side, hydrotherapy/balneotherapy also help obesity control, which is one of the most difficult NCD risk factors to modify and consequently is an important component of the WHO preventive strategy to achieve STG 3.4. Along with high prevalence and mortality, CRD cause increasing pharmaceutical and hospital costs. In this perspective, Health Resort Medicine should not be ignored as a resource in the WHO NCD strategy and Universal Health Coverage, providing a multi-stakeholder platform (including the network of health resorts and their facilities) able to give a real help to the achievement of UN goal STG 3.4 by the year 2030.

노인여성의 수중운동 참여가 신체조성과 혈중지질에 미치는 효과 : 메타분석을 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aquatic exercise participation on body composition and cardiometabolic parameters in the elderly women, by analyzing the current literature. The data from 16 studies were included for meta-analysis, and Comprehensive Meta Analysis(CMA) Version 2.0 was used for statistical analysis. A total 375subjects were included in this analysis. An average duration of the aquatic exercise intervention was 12 weeks, 3 session per week and 42.5minutes per session. Significant reduction in body fat percentage, total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG). Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol(LDL-C), Glucose were observed while significant increase in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol(HDL-C). There were large effect size were observed for LDL-C, Glucose while medium size were observed for body fat percentage, TC, TG, HDL-C In conclusion, aquatic exercise participation have positive impacts on body composition and cardiometablolic parameter in women.

DOES AQUATIC EXERCISE IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OBESE LOW-BACK PAIN POPULATION?

Background: Low-back pain is one of the most common reasons for work stress, poor health, sickness, and reducing the quality of life. While obesity is a growing public health concern, it was proved that obesity is a risk factor for low back pain. Whereas obese low-back pain people cannot avoid weight load on the spine in any exercise, but they can easily carry out the exercise in water. This study aimed to know the effect of aquatic exercise on quality of life among obese low-back pain people.Methods: A total of 39 women with BMI≥27 kg.m-2 who had non-specific chronic low-back pain were purposively selected for this study. They randomly assigned in two groups; exercising (N=19, 37.85±5.83 years with 32.97±4.84kg.m-2) and control group (N=20, 40.8±5.25 years with 31.87±4.79 kg.m-2). The exercising group carried out the aquatic exercise, twice per week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36v2 questionnaire with eight domains; physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health.Results: The findings showed a significant (p≤0.001) improvement in the quality of life in the exercising group after 12 weeks. The significant improvement was found on seven domains of the SF-36v2 in the exercising group after the aquatic exercise intervention program while there was no significant effect on mental health (p=0.051). In the control group, a negative change in mean difference (-3.02) was observed in the mental health domain, while it was changed (15.32) for the exercising group. There was no significant change in BMI in both groups, also.Conclusion: In conclusion, a 12-week aquatic exercise is an appropriate intervention program to improve the overall quality of life among obese women who are suffering from non-significant chronic low- back pain.

Head-Out Aquatic Exercise for Generally Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

Aquatic exercise (AE) is a method for exercise and rehabilitation to enhance function for various clients. Investigate the effects of head-out AE interventions on the physiological and psychological outcomes of healthy postmenopausal women of age 50-70 years. Databases searched included Scopus, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, JSTOR, and OTSeeker.com, through January 2015. Search Criteria: Randomized controlled trial and quasi-randomized controlled trial studies. Two researchers scanned studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies included were critically appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro scale). A total of 15 studies including postmenopausal women and head-out AE intervention were reviewed. Considerable variation existed in the interventions and assessments. Outcome measures showed anthropometric measures (body mass index, circumference, skinfolds, and body fat) were inconclusive; upper and lower body strength improved; flexibility improved; all functional movements (short-distance walk, long-distance walk/run, power, agility, balance and falls) improved; bone density improved; biochemical and hormonal variables were inconclusive; and quality of life outcomes improved. Head-out AE appears to be an effective training and conditioning method for postmenopausal women to improve strength, flexibility, functional movements, bone density, and quality of life.

Aquatic Exercise Training Outcomes on Functional Capacity, Quality of Life, and Lower Limb Lymphedema: Pilot Study.

To investigate whether patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL) can benefit from water immersion exercise training to improve functional capacity, quality of life (QOL), and help control/diminish limb volume. A before-after trial. A community University Sports Center. Eleven participants were recruited to participate and four declined to pursue the study for personal reasons. A convenient sample of seven female affected by either bilateral or unilateral LLL volunteered for this pilot study. Patients had primary or secondary lymphedema as complications of melanoma or gynecologic cancers. An aquatic training exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity was conducted for a 6-week period (12 sessions of 45 min). This innovative circuit training program consisted of yoga exercises, aqua-jogging, pedaling on a water bike, and muscular training on an aquastep and a trampoline. The physical characteristics of water could be used to overcome the physical and medical limitations encountered on dry land for patients with LLL to exercise and reach training benefits. Outcome measures were the 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength test, QOL for limb lymphedema questionnaire (LYMQOL), bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, and limb circumference. The distance covered in the 6MWT and the handgrip strength were significantly improved. A trend toward an increase in the overall QOL score was noticeable, whereas a significantly improved emotions score was observed with the LYMQOL questionnaire. Limb circumferential volume was significantly lower and impedance was increased, denoting a decrease in lymphatic fluid. Innovative aquatic exercise training program allows moderate and vigorous intensity activities for patients with LLL, increases functional capacity and QOL. Thus, immersion exercise does not appear to exacerbate LLL and a randomized clinical trial with larger numbers is essential to consolidate the results of this study.