Effects Of Aquatic Exercise Research Articles

A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Several therapies have been developed to reduce cognitive decline associated with aging. Aquatic exercises, which are widely used to enhance functional capacity, may play a role in stimulating cognitive functions. This study investigated the effects of a 3-month aquatic exercise program on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 31 participants were allocated to either the experimental (aquatic exercises) or control (no-exercise) group. The intervention program consisted of exercises conducted twice a week in a 1.2 m deep indoor pool. The main outcome measures were cognitive functions, assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the exercise program. The effect sizes (η2p) were reported when a level of significance was achieved (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the participants who underwent aquatic exercises showed positive outcomes in Raven's Progressive Matrices test (p = 0.046; η2p = 0.131) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.589). Complementary analyses of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test indicated that the benefits of the aquatic exercise were observed in terms of the number of trials (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.478), number of errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.458), and number of non-perseverative errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.302). The results indicate that a period of three months of aquatic exercise was beneficial for stimulating specific aspects of the cognitive function of community-dwelling older individuals. Aquatic exercise should be prescribed to this population.

The effect of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on bone metabolism in postmenopausal obese women

Background/ObjectiveDespite prevalence of studies indicating the positive effect of land-based exercise on bone metabolism, there are limited findings regarding the effect of aquatic exercise. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on femur bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods40 postmenopausal obese women were randomly divided into four groups of aquatic training + vitamin D3 intake group; (ATD), aquatic training with placebo intake group (AT), vitamin D3 intake group (D), and control group with placebo intake (CON). AT groups performed aerobic aquatic exercises for 8 weeks. Vitamin D3 supplementation groups consumed oral dose of 4000 IU/d for 8 weeks. ResultsThe femur BMD was significantly higher in the ATD than the AT and D and CON groups; in AT it was higher than the D and CON groups. Serum 25(OH)D level in the ATD was more than AT and CON, and in the D was more than the CON and AT. PTH in the ATD group was lower compared to AT, D, and CON groups. PTH was lower in the AT and D compared to the CON. ConclusionIn postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, combining vitamin D supplementation and aquatic training was the most effective method for improving bone metabolism; Vitamin D supplementation (alone) was not sufficient to affect some of bone metabolism indices; Aquatic training could not improve serum vitamin D. By priority, ATD, AT, and D indicated better bone related metabolism indices.

Effect of Aquatic Exercises on Strength and Quality of Life in Sarcopenia Older Individuals

Abstract There are various definitions of sarcopenia. Among them, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP) has defined sarcopenia as "a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which carries the risk of unwanted consequences such as physical disability, poor quality of life and death". As a person ages, various changes occur in the skeletal muscle. Nutrition is one of the important factors affecting muscle mass and is a characteristic feature of the continuous loss of muscular mass in the aging process. However, sarcopenia, defined as age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, leads to a deterioration in muscle quantity and quality, gradual slowdown in movements, decreased strength and performance, increased risk of fall-associated injury, and often a decrease in body weight. Treatment options for sarcopenia include lifestyle changes, including physical activity and exercise training, medical nutrition therapy, and pharmacological therapy. Aquatic exercises are a type of exercise that involves the use of all the muscles of the body in a vertical position in the water, opposing the resistance of the water to its own body weight, while cardio and strength training are performed in parallel. Eliminating the risk of falling in sarcopene individuals, working against their own body weight and water resistance can reduce muscle stress while increasing their strength. Healthy lifestyle patterns, proper nutrition and proper exercise programs are effective in preventing sarcopenia and at every stage of the treatment.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Upper Extremity Function and Postural Control During Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Upper Extremity Function and Postural Control During Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The effects of aquatic exercises on body functions, activity and participation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Introduction: Aquatic exercises may benefit children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Nevertheless, there are few studies about the efficacy and safety of those interventions for this population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the effects of aquatic interventions in children and adolescents with CP, considering outcomes related to the body structure, function, activity, and participation; based on the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF). Methods: We searched for experimental or quasi-experimental studies about aquatic exercises’ effects on children and adolescents with CP. We used the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scielo, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Reviews, Trials, and PEDro, from January 1st, 2011, to December 31st, 2020. In addition, the risk of bias was assessed with the PEDro tool. Results: 10 randomized clinical trials and five quasi-experimental studies were included. The focus was on aerobic activities in children with spastic CP, mainly classified as levels I to III in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), outcomes related to structure and function, and activity. Thirteen studies reported positive effects, but the methodological quality was low. Discussion: Aquatic exercise programs are feasible and demonstrate a positive effect on this population. There is a need for studies of better methodological quality, including children classified as GMFCS V and outcomes based on the domain of participation.

Effects of aquatic exercise on appetitive responses in adolescents with obesity: An exploratory study

Aquatic exercise has been suggested as a beneficial modality to improve weight loss, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in adolescents with obesity; however, its impact on appetite control in youth remains unknown. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine the effect of an acute aquatic exercise session on energy intake (EI), appetite feelings and food reward in adolescents with obesity. Twelve adolescents with obesity (12–16 years, Tanner stage 3–5, 9 males) randomly completed two conditions: i) control (CON); ii) aquatic exercise session (AQUA). One hour before lunch, the adolescents stayed at rest outside the water in a quiet room for 45 min on CON while they performed a 45-min aquatic exercise session on AQUA. Ad libitum EI and macronutrients were assessed at lunch and dinner, subjective appetite feelings taken at regular intervals, and food reward measured before and after lunch. Paired T-test showed that EI was not different between CON and AQUA at lunch (1333 ± 484 kcal vs 1409 ± 593 kcal; p = 0.162) and dinner (528 ± 218 kcal vs 513 ± 204 kcal; p = 0.206). Total daily ad libitum EI was significantly higher on AQUA (1922 ± 649 kcal) compared with CON (1861 ± 685 kcal; p = 0.044) but accounting for the exercise-induced energy expenditure, relative energy intake did not differ (2263 ± 732 kcal vs 2117 ± 744 kcal, p = 0.304). None of the appetite feelings (hunger, fullness, prospective food consumption and desire to eat) and food reward dimensions were significantly different between conditions. These preliminary and exploratory results suggest that an acute aquatic-exercise session might not induce energy compensatory responses in adolescents with obesity.

Efficacy and safety of aquatic exercise in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective To examine the efficacy and safety of aquatic exercise for people with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CENTRAL, CNKI and WanFang databases were searched from 1966 to September 2022. Review methods Randomized controlled trials evaluating aquatic exercise for people with knee osteoarthritis compared with no exercise and land-based exercise were included. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Results Twenty-two studies with 1394 participants were included. Compared with no exercise (13 trials with 746 participants), low-to high-certainty evidence revealed that aquatic exercise yielded significant improvements in patient-reported pain (SMD −0.58, 95% CI −0.82 to −0.33), stiffness (SMD −0.57, 95% CI −1.03 to −0.11) and physical function (SMD −0.35, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.18) immediately postintervention. A sustained effect was observed only for pain at three months postintervention (SMD −0.48, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.06). The confidence intervals demonstrated that the pooled results do not exclude the minimal clinically important differences. There were no significant differences between the effects of aquatic exercise and land-based exercise (13 trials with 648 participants) on pain (SMD −0.12, 95% CI −0.29 to 0.04), stiffness (SMD −0.17, 95% CI −0.49 to 0.16) or physical function (SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.28 to 0.02). No study reported a serious adverse event in relation to aquatic exercise. Conclusion Aquatic exercise provides a short-term clinical benefit that is sustained for at least three months postintervention in terms of pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Comparison between Aquatic and Thera-Band Exercises on Pain Intensity and Endurance among Obese Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) causes pain, stiffness, muscular weakness, and walking difficulties, leading to physical inactivity and consequently the rise in obesity as a public health concern. This study aimed to compare the effects of aquatic and Thera-band exercises on pain intensity and endurance among obese people with KOA. In a cross-sectional study, 45 obese participants (n = 45; male = 22, female = 23) with KOA (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg.m^-2) were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups; aquatic exercise (AqG), Thera-band exercise (TBG) and control (CG) groups. For eight weeks, the AqG and TBG groups performed the exercise program twice weekly at 60 min per session. The Mixed-ANOVA statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the effects of aquatic exercise, Thera-band exercise, and CG after eight weeks in terms of pain intensity (F: 2, 42= 34.18, p < 0.001) and endurance (F: 2, 42 = 11.425, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, both intervention groups had a significant effect on pain intensity (p<0.001) and only AqG revealed a significant difference in endurance (p < 0.046) compared with the CG. In addition, there was no significant difference between AqG and TBG in the improvement of pain intensity (p = 0.896) and endurance (p = 0.072). In conclusion, progressive aquatic and Thera-band exercises are alternative suggestions to improve pain intensity and aquatic exercise can also be more advantageous to recover endurance among people with KOA.

Effectiveness of aquatic exercise in lower limb osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term and follow-up effectiveness of aquatic training on the health status of lower limb osteoarthritis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on related topics were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases from inception to January 2021. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to present pooled effect sizes. As a result, 19 RCTs (1592 patients) were included. Compared with unsupervised home exercise or usual care (land-based training excluded), aquatic training showed short-term pain relief (SMD, -0.54; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.28), physical function improvement (SMD, -0.64; 95% CI, -1.00 to -0.28), stiffness reduction (SMD, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.01) and improved function in sport and recreation (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.02). Analyses restricted to patients with knee osteoarthritis only also confirmed the positive effects of aquatic training on most dimensions excluding physical function. At medium-term follow-ups, improvements in physical function and function in sport and recreation were observed. No significant difference was observed between arms in the above four outcomes at long-term follow-ups. All studies reported no major adverse event with relation to aquatic training, and the minor adverse events were not common. It is concluded that aquatic training likely has short-term benefits on pain, physical function, stiffness and sport ability in lower limb osteoarthritis patients, but these positive effects may not last long.

Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess evidence on the effects of aquatic exercise in pregnant women. The search included the following databases: Medline-PubMed, Web of science, PEDro, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases. Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included (n = 2439, age 20–39 years; 31.30 ± 1.30 years). The systematic review carried out has indicated that aquatic exercise in pregnant women appears to have positive effects on preventing excessive maternal weight gain, improving maternal body image, as well as promoting healthy behavior, decreasing medical leave due to lower back pain during pregnancy, preventing gestational depression by improving maternal glucose tolerance levels, and reducing O’Sullivan test values. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database was used to evaluate the quality of the methodology of the selected studies, which were found to present an average methodological quality (PEDro scale: 5.05 points). Meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise in pregnant women appears to have positive effects in the prevention of excessive maternal weight gain (mean difference −1.66 kg, 95% CI −2.67 to −0.66) and also to reduce birth weight mean differences (−89.13 g, 95% CI −143.18 to −35.08). The practice of aquatic exercise is appropriate throughout pregnancy. However, more research is needed to build more solid knowledge on the benefits of aquatic physical exercise on physical fitness (endurance, flexibility, agility and strength).

The Effect of Aquatic Exercises on Special Endurance (Strength and Speed) and Achievement Run (800m) for Youth

The research aims to use Aquatic exercises to develop special endurance and run (800m) for youth toidentify the level of (speed endurance and force endurance) of the participants of the sample membersof the experimental group. The researchers used the experimental method for its suitability to the natureof the study, and the sample was from Wasit Governorate clubs racers. The participants were (12) racers.We were divided into two control and experimental groups. The duration of the experiment was (8)weeks from (28/10/2020 to 10/3/2021). The place of the experiment is in the Al-Gharraf River (a branchof the Tigris River) and the Kut Olympic Stadium. The researchers used tests to speed endurance of adistance (600m), a test to endurance the strength of running by jumping for one minute (Bousing), andan achievement test (800m). The researchers concluded that training in the aquatic medium exercisesaffected the development of special endurance (speed endurance and force endurance) and it had apositive effect in completing the 800m race for youth.

Exercício aquático e modulação autonômica cardíaca de mulheres na pós-menopausa com diabetes tipo 2

Objetivo: Investigar o efeito de 12 semanas de um programa de exercícios aquáticos na modulação autonômica cardíaca pelo índice de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) de mulheres com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) na pós-menopausa. Métodos: Um ensaio clínico randomizado foi realizado em 25 mulheres com idade entre 51 e 83 anos, dividido em grupo de exercício (GE) (n = 13), submetido por 12 semanas a duas sessões semanais de 50 minutos cada, e grupo controle (GC) (n = 12) sem exercício. Resultados: Em relação à modulação autonômica cardíaca, foi observada interação significativa para os valores de TINN (ms) indicando um pequeno aumento no GE, mas principalmente uma redução no GC. A análise de regressão também apontou o efeito do exercício aquático na redução da razão LF/HF, após o controle de covariáveis, pressão arterial diastólica e dislipidemia. Conclusão: O exercício aquático teve um efeito significativo na redução do risco cardiovascular, principalmente em relação à glicemia e obesidade abdominal, o que pode representar um efeito protetor do exercício na progressão da disfunção autonômica, mas seu efeito na modulação autonômica parece depender de maior volume e tempo com exercícios aquáticos.

Effect of aquatic exercise on cardiovascular fitness in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims To systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of aquatic exercise (AE) on cardiovascular health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Material and methods Relevant literature about AE in patients with T2DM up to May 25, 2021, were collected from the PubMed, the Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Ovid databases. The main outcomes were 6‑min walking distance (6MWD) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Secondary outcomes were resting heart rate (RHR) and resting systolic (RSBP) and diastolic blood pressures (RDBP).Results 12 articles including 320 participants were identified. Among them, three trials compared AE to land-based exercise (LE), six compared AE to non-intervention control (Ctrl), and three were pre- / post-AE design without a control group. Meta-analysis showed that compared with baseline, VO2max increased (WMD=0.71, 95 %CI 0.47 to 0.94), while RHR, RSBP and RDBP declined (WMD=-5.88, 95 %CI -6.88 to -4.88; WMD=-5.76, 95 %CI -7.75 to -3.78; WMD= -2.48, 95 %CI -3.83 to -1.13, respectively) post-AE. 6WMD and VO2max increased (WMD=127.00, 95 %CI 49.26 to 204.74; WMD=2.02, 95 %CI 1.66 to 2.38, respectively) and RHR declined (WMD=-4.20, 95 %CI -6.36 to -2.03, AE vs Ctrl) when AE was compared to Ctrl. There were no significant differences in the above indicators between AE and LE.Conclusions AE, like LE, increases VO2max, and reduces RHR, RSBP, and RDBP. These responses may improve cardiovascular health in patients with T2DM. However, more data are needed to confirm the effect of AE on 6MWD in T2DM patients.

Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Sleep Efficiency of Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Aerobic exercise improves sleep for people who have difficulty in sleeping soundly, but most research to date has focused on land-based exercise. There has been only very limited research into the effect of aquatic exercise on people with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a 6-week aquatic exercise program on sleep efficiency among adults with chronic MSK pain. A total of 30 adults with chronic MSK pain were recruited by convenience sampling and assigned into intervention and control groups by a trained research assistant. Their sleep efficiency, sleep quality, activity level, stress level, and pain level were measured with ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer before and after the intervention group completed a 6-week, biweekly program of aquatic exercise. Following intervention, the intervention group had significantly longer total true sleep time (by 27.6min, P = .006); greater sleep efficiency (+3.01%, P = .005); and less pain (-1.33/10, P = .026). The control group had significantly shorter total true sleep time by 5.8 minutes (P = .036) while changes in the other outcomes were not significant. Six weeks of moderate-intensity aquatic exercise may improve sleep efficiency and reduce pain for persons suffering chronic MSK pain.

Efficacy of the WATERinMOTION Aquatics Exercise Programme on the Body Weight and Composition of Sedentary Older Women with Overweight/Obesity

Some controversy remains regarding the effects of aquatic exercise on body weight and composition. The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term impacts of the WATERinMOTION aquatics exercise program on body weight and composition without nutritional intervention in sedentary older women with overweight/ obesity. The study was developed as a quasi-experimental project (pre/post-study). Forty-four inactive women were volunteers from a convenience sample with a mean age of 71.1±5.7 years (Ukraine, 2019). Participants were allocated randomly into two groups: WATERinMOTION (n=22) or a control group (n=22). Meanwhile, the WATERinMOTION group performed the WATERinMOTION exercise programme with two weekly sessions of 55 minutes each. The control subjects did not participate in any physical exercises. They were asked to perform their routine activities during the study. Both programmes lasted one month. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), total body water (TBW), and free fat mass (FFM) were the anthropometric variables that were measured pre/post-study. The analysis found statistically significant differences in body weight (-0.7, P=0.004), BMI (-0.3, P=0.002), and FM (-0.6, P=0.03) between the pre and post measurements of the WATERinMOTION group. Moreover, the comparison of groups at post revealed a significant difference in body weight (P˂0.001), BMI (P˂0.001), TBW (P=0.005), FM (P˂0. 001), FFM (P=0.003), and WC (P=0.007). The WATERin- MOTION programme, which is not associated with nutritional monitoring, showed significant benefits for losing weight and the body composition of sedentary older women who are overweight and/or obese.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Land-Based Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Motor Function, Balance, and Functional Independence in Stroke Patients-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

: ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aquatic exercise (AE) and land-based exercise (LE) on cardiorespiratory fitness, motor function, balance, and functional independence in stroke patients. Design: Through searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Database, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected to study the effects of AE and LE on cardiorespiratory fitness, motor function, balance, and functional independence in patients with stroke. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and statistical analysis was carried out by the Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. Results: The RCTs were collected between the earliest available date and April 2021. Eleven RCTs were included, including five studies with low risk and six studies with moderate risk. The total sample size used in the study was 369, which included 187 patients undertaking AE and 182 patients undertaking LE. The results of the meta-analysis showed that AE can significantly improve patients’ Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD = 5.19, 95% CI: 2.66 to 7.71, p < 0.0001), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (MD = 3.49, 95% CI: 0.17 to 6.8, p = 0.04), Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) (MD = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.64 to 6.04, p = 0.0006), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (MD = 6.1, 95% CI: 4.05 to 8.15, p < 0.00001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two exercise modes in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD = −2.52, 95% CI: −5.95 to 0.91, p = 0.15) or the Functional Ambulation Category scale (FAC) (MD = 0.28, 95% CI: −0.21 to 0.76, p = 0.26). Conclusion: Based on the improvement in the Berg Balance Scale, peak oxygen uptake, Fugl–Meyer Assessment, and Functional Independence Measure, we can state that aquatic exercise offers better advantages than land-based exercise for patients’ balance, motor function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and functional independence.

Aquatic versus Land-Based Exercise in Treatment of Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Abstract Background: Mechanical Low Back Pain (MLBP) is a major cause of illness and disability, especially in people of working age. Aim of Study: The study was conducted to compare be-tween the effect of aquatic exercise and land-based exercises on pain level, functional disability and lumbar Range of Motion (ROM) in subjects with Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain (CMLBP). Material and Methods: Sixty patients with chronic me-chanical low back pain of both gender participated in the study: 17 male and 43 female between 25 and 40 years old. They were divided randomly and equally into two groups: A study group (A), in which patients received land based exercise program; and study group (B), in which patients received aquatic exercise program. Both groups received the treatment program for 50min, three times per week, for one month assessment of patients in each group for pain level, functional disability and lumbar range of motion before and after treatment. Results: There were statistically significant differences in all outcome measures in favor of the water exercises group (p 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differ-ences regarding all outcome measure in water exercise group (p < 0.0001) when comparing the pre-treatment with post-treatment results. Conclusion: Aquatic therapy is effective in decreasing pain severity, level of functional disability and improved lumbar range of motion in patient with chronic mechanical low back pain than land-based exercise.

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.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise in the Treatment of Obesity

Today, obesity is considered as a severe epidemic and a global health treat. Obesity is particularly quite common in developed countries...

The effect of aquatic exercise on functional disability, flexibility and function of trunk muscles in postmenopausal women with chronic non-specific low back pain: Randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the effect of 8-week aquatic exercise training on pain, flexibility, and function of trunk muscles in postmenopausal women with non-specific chronic low back pain. Twenty women with Chronic non-specific low back pain were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into the experimental ( n = 10) and control ( n = 10) groups. The experimental group participated in 24 sessions (3 sessions per week) water-based exercises, consisting of a 15 minutes warm-up, 35 minutes of main exercises, and 10 minutes to cool down. Baseline measurements, such as age, height, weight, BMI, functional disability, flexibility, and function of trunk muscles for each participant were assessed and recorded one week before and after the intervention period. After 8 weeks of aquatic exercise training, functional disability ( P ≤ 0.007) and flexibility ( P ≤ 0.009) of participants in the experimental group significantly improved compared to the control. Furthermore, the EMG values of the rectus abdominis ( P < 0.001), external oblique ( P < 0.001), longissimus thoracic ( P < 0.021) and lumbar multifidus ( P < 0.009) muscles in the experimental group significantly improved compared to the control group. It can be concluded that aquatic exercise has a positive effect on pain reduction, flexibility, and EMG values of postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. Cette étude a examiné l’effet d’un entraînement aquatique de 8 semaines sur la douleur, la souplesse et la fonction des muscles du tronc chez les femmes ménopausées souffrant de lombalgie chronique non spécifique. Vingt femmes souffrant de lombalgie chronique non spécifique ont été choisies volontairement et réparties de manière aléatoire en groupes expérimental ( n = 10) et contrôle ( n = 10). Le groupe expérimental a participé à 24 séances (3 séances par semaine) d’exercices aquatiques comprenant 15 minutes d’échauffement, 35 minutes d’exercices principaux et 10 minutes de récupération. Les mesures de base, telles que l’âge, la taille, le poids, l’IMC, l’incapacité fonctionnelle, la souplesse et la fonction des muscles du tronc, ont été évaluées et enregistrées pour chaque participant une semaine avant et après la période d’intervention. Après 8 semaines d’entraînement aquatique, l’incapacité fonctionnelle ( p ≤ 0,007) et la souplesse ( p ≤ 0,009) des participants du groupe expérimental se sont nettement améliorées par rapport au groupe témoin. En outre, les valeurs EMG des muscles rectus abdominaux ( p < 0,001), obliques externes ( p < 0,001), longissimus thoracique ( p < 0,021) et multifidus lombaire ( p < 0,009) du groupe expérimental ont été significativement améliorées par rapport au groupe témoin. On peut en conclure que l’exercice aquatique a un effet positif sur la réduction de la douleur, la souplesse et les valeurs EMG des femmes ménopausées souffrant de lombalgie chronique.