Land-based Exercise Training Research Articles

Effect of Water-Based vs. Land-Based Exercise Intervention (postCOVIDkids) on Exercise Capacity, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Children with Post COVID-19 Condition: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence suggests that COVID-19 can cause lasting health consequences called post-COVID-19 condition. We conducted a three-group, randomized controlled trial for children aged 10-12 years with post COVID-19 condition. Participants were randomized to AQUA, LAND, or CONTROL groups. The AQUA and LAND training sessions were conducted twice a week for eight weeks. The primary outcomes were exercise capacity, measured using the modified Balke treadmill protocol, and fatigue, measured using the Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Questionnaire (CFSQ). The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQoL), measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for children and parents. A total of 74 of the 86 children completed the intervention and attended the post-intervention assessment. The absolute maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values increased after both AQUA (p = 0.001) and LAND (p = 0.004) interventions. No significant differences were found in the degree of total fatigue and individual fatigue symptoms. A significant improvement was found in the PedsQL reported by the parents in the LAND group. In conclusion, the applied eight-week water-based and land-based exercise training programs improved exercise capacity in children aged 10-12 years old with post COVID-19 condition. The parents of the children in the training groups also noted an improvement in HRQoL.

The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Training on Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

(1) Background: Aquatic exercise training is a relatively understudied exercise modality in patients with CAD; with the present study, we sought to compare the impact of short-term 14-day water- and land-based exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV). (2) Methods: We randomized 90 patients after a recent CAD event (myocardial infarction and/or revascularization within 2 months prior to inclusion) to either (i) water-based or (ii) land-based exercise training (14 days, two 30 min sessions daily), or (iii) controls. Before and after the intervention period, all participants underwent 20 min 12-channel high-resolution ECG recordings with off-line HRV analysis, including conventional linear time- and frequency-domain analysis (using the Welch method for fast-Fourier transformation), and preselected non-linear analysis (Poincaré plot-derived parameters, sample entropy, and the short-term scaling exponent α1 obtained by detrended fluctuation analysis). (3) Results: Eighty-nine patients completed the study (mean age 60 ± 8 years; 20 % women). We did not detect significant differences in baseline- or age-adjusted end-of-study HRV parameters, but aquatic exercise training was associated with a significant increase in the linear LF/HF parameter (from 2.6 [1.2–4.0] to 3.0 [2.1–5.5], p = 0.046) and the non-linear α1 parameter (from 1.2 [1.1–1.4] to 1.3 [1.2–1.5], p = 0.043). (4) Conclusions: Our results have shown that a short-term 14-day aquatic exercise training program improves selected HRV parameters, suggesting this mode of exercise is safe and may be beneficial in patients with CAD.

Tailored or adapted interventions for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and at least one other long-term condition: a mixed methods review.

Tailored or adapted interventions for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and at least one other long-term condition: a mixed methods review.

Effects Of Aquatic Vs Land Based Exercise Training On Vascular Function In Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Effects Of Aquatic Vs Land Based Exercise Training On Vascular Function In Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Comparative effects of water- and land-based combined exercise training in hypertensive older adults

ObjectivesA randomized controlled trial was designed to compare water- and land-based combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise training programs on cardiometabolic parameters, functional fitness, and quality-of-life (QoL) in hypertensive older adults. MethodsFifty-three participants were divided into three groups: 1) land-based exercise group (LET, n=17), 2) water-based exercise group (WET, n=16), and 3) control group (CON, n=20). All programs comprised of a 12-week supervised training program (three 1-hr sessions per week), followed by a 12-week self-supervised training program. Blood pressure (BP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx-), malondialdehyde (MDA), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood lipids, functional fitness, and QoL were assessed before and after each period. ResultsFollowing the supervised period, systolic BP, rate-pressure product, GPx, NOx-, MDA, hs-CRP concentrations, physical and psychological domains, and overall QoL significantly improved in both training groups. Only the WET improved LDL-C and lipoprotein combine index. Meanwhile, the 30s chair-stand test and 2-min step test improved only in the LET. Succeeding the self-supervised period, systolic BP and NOx- concentration significantly improved in both training groups. Notwithstanding, the 30s chair-standing and arm curl tests improved only in the LET. ConclusionsBoth training programs rendered ameliorated systolic BP, antioxidant capacity and inflammation, muscular strength, aerobic endurance and QoL with a higher progression in the LET. Nevertheless, metabolic variables were greater improved in the WET. Additionally, due to greater exercise participation, the WET program may be a useful tool in motivating hypertensive older adults to continuously exercise on their own.

Effects of heated water-based versus land-based exercise training on vascular function in individuals with peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that is associated with poor vascular function, walking impairment, and reduced quality of life. Land-based exercise therapy (LBET) is frequently recommended to improve walking and reduce symptoms. Recently, evidence has suggested that heated-water exercise therapy (HWET) is an effective intervention for PAD. However, the efficacy of LBET versus HWET in PAD patients had not been elucidated. Therefore, we sought to compare effects of LBET with HWET on cardiovascular function, exercise tolerance, physical function, and body composition in PAD patients. PAD patients (n = 53) were recruited and randomly assigned to a LBET group (n = 25) or HWET group (n = 28). The LBET group performed treadmill walking, whereas the HWET group performed walking in heated water for 12 wk. Leg (legPWV) and brachial-to-ankle arterial stiffness (baPWV), blood pressure (BP), ankle-brachial index (ABI), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), claudication onset time (COT), physical function, and body composition were assessed before and after 12 wk. There were significant group-by-time interactions (P < 0.05) for legPWV, BP, 6MWD, COT, body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Both groups significantly reduced (P < 0.05) legPWV, BP, and body fat percentage, and HWET measures were significantly lower than LBET measures. Both groups significantly increased 6MWD, COT, and RMR, and HWET group measures were significantly greater than LBET measures. A time effect was noted for baPWV reduction in both groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that both LBET and HWET improve cardiovascular function, exercise tolerance, and body composition, and HWET showed considerably greater improvements compared with LBET in patients with PAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this study reveal for the first time that although land-based exercise therapy is effective for reducing arterial stiffness and blood pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), heated-water exercise therapy demonstrates greater benefits on vascular function. The greater improvements in muscular strength, time to onset of claudication, and exercise tolerance after heated-water exercise therapy may have clinical implications for improving quality of life in patients with PAD. The heated-water exercise therapy intervention demonstrated relatively higher exercise training adherence (∼88%) compared with the land-based exercise intervention (∼81%).

Black American older adults’ motivation to engage in osteoarthritis treatment recommendations for pain self-management: A mixed methods study

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is a long-term condition, and four core treatments are recommended to minimize the interference of pain and symptoms on their daily function. However, older Black Americans have traditionally been at a disadvantage in regard to knowledge of and engagement in chronic disease self-management and self-care. Surprisingly, minimal research has addressed understanding motivational factors key to self-management behaviors. Thus, it is important to understand if older Black Americans’ self-management is supported by current recommendations for the management of symptomatic osteoarthritis and what factors limit or motivate engagement in recommended treatments. ObjectiveOur objectives are to: (1) identify stage of engagement in four core recommended treatments for osteoarthritis, (2) describe the barriers and motivators to these recommended treatments, and (3) construct an understanding of the process of pain self-management motivation. DesignA mixed-methods concurrent parallel design. SettingParticipants were recruited from communities in northern Louisiana, USA. ParticipantsBlack Americans (≥50 years of age) with clinical osteoarthritis and/or provider-diagnosed osteoarthritis were enrolled. One hundred ten participants completed the study, and 18 of these individuals were also interviewed individually. MethodsData were collected using in-person surveys and interviews. Over a period of 11 months, close- and open-ended surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with participants. Descriptive statistics describe utilization/engagement level as well as barriers and motivators of recommended treatments for non-surgical osteoarthritis. Content and thematic analyses of interviews summarized perspectives on the process and role of motivation in pain self-management. ResultsOverall, engagement levels in treatments ranged from very low to high. Over 55% of older Black Americans were actively engaged in two of the recommended treatments: land-based exercise and strength training. Major motivators included reduction in pain and stiffness and maintenance of mobility and good health. The majority of participants were not using water-based exercise and self-management education. Primary barriers were lack of access, time, and knowledge of resources. ConclusionsIn order to maximize the benefits of osteoarthritis pain self-management, older Black Americans must be equipped with the motivation, resources, information and skills, and time to engage in recommended treatment options. Their repertoire of behavioral self-management did not include two key treatments and is inconsistent with what is recommended, predominantly due to barriers that are difficult to overcome. In these cases, motivation alone is not optimal in promoting self-management. Providers, researchers, and community advocates should work collaboratively to expand access to self-management resources, particularly when personal and community motivation are high.

Short-Term Water- and Land-Based Exercise Training Comparably Improve Exercise Capacity and Vascular Function in Patients After a Recent Coronary Event: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundWe hypothesized that a 2-week twice daily aquatic endurance plus calisthenics exercise training program: (i) increases aerobic exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake/O2peak), (ii) improves endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and (iii) reduces circulating markers of low-grade inflammation and hemostasis, as compared to land-based endurance plus calisthenics exercise training or no exercise in patients undergoing short-term residential cardiac rehabilitation after a recent coronary artery disease (CAD) event.MethodsPatients with a recent myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure were randomized into two interventional groups and a control group. The interventional groups underwent supervised aerobic endurance plus calisthenics exercise training either in thermo-neutral water or on land at moderate intensity (60–80% of the peak heart rate achieved during symptom-limited graded exercise testing) for 30 min twice daily for 2 weeks (i.e., 24 sessions). The control group was deferred from supervised exercise training for the 2-week duration of the intervention, but was advised low-to-moderate intensity physical activity at home while waiting. At baseline and after the intervention period, all participants underwent estimation of aerobic exercise capacity, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD, measured ultrasonographically at rest and during reactive hyperemia after 4.5 min of forearm cuff inflation), markers of cardiac dysfunction (NT-proBNP), inflammation (hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), cell adhesion (ICAM, P-selectin), and hemostasis (fibrinogen, D-dimer).ResultsA total of 89 patients (mean age 59.9 ± 8.2 years, 77.5% males, O2peak at baseline 14.8 ± 3.5 ml kg-1 min-1) completed the study. Both exercise modalities were safe (no significant adverse events recorded) and associated with a significant improvement in O2peak as compared to controls: age and baseline O2peak-adjusted end-of-study O2peak increased to 16.7 (95% CI 16.0–17.4) ml kg-1 min-1 with land-based training (p < 0.001 for change from baseline) and to 18.6 (95% CI 17.9–19.3) ml kg-1 min-1 with water-based training (p < 0.001 for change from baseline), but not in controls (14.9 ml kg-1 min-1; 95% CI 14.2–15.6; p = 0.775 for change from baseline). FMD also increased in both intervention groups (from 5.5 to 8.8%, p < 0.001 with land-based, and from 7.2 to 9.2%, p < 0.001 with water-based training, respectively), as compared to controls (p for change 0.629). No significant changes were detected in biomarkers of inflammation, cell adhesion or hemostasis, whereas levels of NT-proBNP (marker of cardiac dysfunction) decreased in the water-based training group (p = 0.07 vs. controls).ConclusionEndurance plus calisthenics exercise training in thermo-neutral water is safe, and improves aerobic exercise capacity and vascular function in patients undergoing short-term residential cardiac rehabilitation after a recent CAD event.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02831829.

Motivators and barriers for participation in aquatic and land-based exercise training programs for people with stable heart failure: A mixed methods approach

BackgroundAquatic exercise training may be suitable for people with stable heart failure (HF) to engage in physical activity. ObjectivesAcceptability, experiences and preferences regarding aquatic and traditional land-based exercise training, were explored in people with HF. MethodsAs part of a comparative intervention study, participants completed a questionnaire assessing acceptability, benefits and challenges of aquatic compared to land-based programs. Semi-structured interviews explored participant experiences in greater depth. ResultsForty-eight participants, (mean age 70 + /- 11 years), completed the questionnaire and 14 participated in semi structured interviews. Aquatic exercise was regarded as acceptable and beneficial. Motivators were similar for both programs and included: a skilled and compassionate workforce, tailored care, perceived health benefit, sense of safety and an inclusive and enjoyable environment. Few barriers were identified for either program. ConclusionsAquatic and land-based exercise training are equally acceptable for people with stable HF and motivators are similar for both programs.

The Relative Efficacy of Land-Based and Water-Based Exercise Training on Macro- and Microvascular Functions in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. Twenty-nine older patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into the land-based (LB; n = 14) or water-based (WB; n = 15) groups. Both groups completed supervised aerobic cycling exercises three times per week for 12 weeks. The WB group performed cycling exercise training in warm water (36 °C) immersed to the hip level. After 12 weeks, blood glucose concentration and insulin resistance did not change but hemoglobin A1c levels decreased (P < .05) in both groups. Plasma nitric oxide concentrations increased (P < .05) in both groups. Flow-mediated dilation in the popliteal artery increased and arterial stiffness decreased (P < .05) in both exercise groups. Indices of microvascular reactivity improved (P < .05) only in the WB group. The benefits of warm water-based training were similar in general, and superior in some measures, to the more established land-based cycling exercise.

Effect of water- versus land-based exercise training as a component of a multidisciplinary intervention program for overweight and obese adolescents

To compare water- versus land-based exercise programs, as part of a multidisciplinary intervention, on physical fitness and health-related quality of life in overweight and obese adolescents. A total of 151 overweight and obese adolescents (age: 13.2±1.8years) were divided into: 1) a water-based intervention (WB; n=28); 2) a land-based intervention (LB; n=57); and 3) a control group (CG; n=66). Anthropometric measures, body composition, flexibility, abdominal strength/endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life were assessed prior and by the end of a 16-week intervention. Both the water- and land-based interventions were part of a multidisciplinary program focusing on behavioral changes. Fat Mass (%) was significantly reduced in both intervention groups and a higher progression was observed in the WB group (−9.8±7.2% versus −6.1±6.2%; p<0.05 for pre-to-post changes within-groups). However, LB increased more abdominal strength than WB (69.6±165.8% versus 53.4±83.4%; p<0.05) and significantly increased social (19.7±88.8%), psychosocial (5.1±15.1%) and total score (6.3±14.8%), which was observed in neither WB nor CG. The intervention groups did not change body weight (WB: −1.7±5.3%; LB: 0.1±3.4%; p>0.05 for both groups) and increased (p<0.05) fat-free mass (WB: 4.6±4.0%; LB: 4.4±4.1%), VO2max (WB: 9.3±7.8%; LB: 11.0±13.4%), and physical dimension of quality of life (WB: 9.2±17.2%; LB: 8.9±18.0%) differently of what was observed in CG. The physical dimension improvement observed in the land-based and water-based samples was associated with decreased percentage fat mass (r=0.282 and 0.229; p<0.05). We suggest water- and land-based physical exercises within a multidisciplinary program promote similar improvements in body composition, physical fitness and health-related quality of life in overweight and obese adolescents.

Treadmill training combined with water and land-based exercise programs: Effects on Parkinson's disease patients.

There is a need for studies about the effects of treadmill training (TT) on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients when combined with other exercise training modalities. To identify the effects of a multicomponent rehabilitation program on the illness impact, quality of life and fitness level in Parkinson's disease. Participants were assigned to two exercise groups: water and land-based exercise (WL) or water and land-based exercise plus treadmill training (TWL). The water and land-based exercise group performed one water-based exercise and one land-based exercise session per week for 15 weeks. Participants in the water and land-based exercise plus treadmill training added two sessions of treadmill training to this schedule. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was used to assess the sample's fitness level. Participants in the water and land-based exercise Group experienced significant benefits in the disease impact (UPDRS t = 3.083; p = 0.029) and quality of life (PDQ-39 t = 2.942; p = 0.036). The addition of treadmill training did not have any significant effect on these variables. Both programs showed similar effects on the fitness components evaluated. Adding treadmill training to a combination of water and land-based exercise programs may have limited effects on quality of life and the impact on the disease.

Water-based exercise training for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Land-based exercise training improves exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Water-based exercise training is an alternative mode of physical exercise training that may appeal to the older population attending pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, those who are unable to complete land-based exercise programmes and people with COPD with comorbid physical and medical conditions. To assess the effects of water-based exercise training in people with COPD. A search of the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials, which is derived from systematic searches of bibliographic databases, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO, was conducted (from inception to August 2013). Handsearching was done to identify further qualifying studies from reference lists of relevant studies. Review authors included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in which water-based exercise training of at least four weeks' duration was compared with no exercise training or any other form of exercise training in people with COPD. Swimming was excluded. We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. Five studies were included with a total of 176 participants (71 people participated in water-based exercise training and 54 in land-based exercise training; 51 completed no exercise training). All studies compared supervised water-based exercise training versus land-based exercise training and/or no exercise training in people with COPD (with average forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) %predicted ranging from 39% to 62%). Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 53 participants. The exercise training programmes lasted from four to 12 weeks, and the mean age of participants ranged from 57 to 73 years. A moderate risk of bias was due to lack of reporting of randomisation, allocation and blinding procedures in some studies, as well as small sample sizes.Compared with no exercise, water-based exercise training improved the six-minute walk distance (mean difference (MD) 62 metres; 95% confidence interval (CI) 44 to 80 metres; three studies; 99 participants; moderate quality evidence), the incremental shuttle walk distance (MD 50 metres; 95% CI 20 to 80 metres; one study; 30 participants; high quality evidence) and the endurance shuttle walk distance (MD 371 metres; 95% CI 121 to 621 metres; one study; 30 participants; high quality evidence). Quality of life was also improved after water-based exercise training compared with no exercise (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.97, 95% CI -0.37 to -1.57; two studies; 49 participants; low quality evidence). Compared with land-based exercise training, water-based exercise training did not significantly change the six-minute walk distance (MD 11 metres; 95% CI -11 to 33 metres; three studies; 62 participants; moderate quality evidence) or the incremental shuttle walk distance (MD 9 metres; 95% CI -15 to 34 metres; two studies; 59 participants; low quality evidence). However, the endurance shuttle walk distance improved following water-based exercise training compared with land-based exercise training (MD 313 metres; 95% CI 232 to 394 metres; two studies; 59 participants; moderate quality evidence). No significant differences were found between water-based exercise training and land-based exercise training for quality of life, as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire or by three of four domains of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ); however, the fatigue domain of the CRDQ showed a statistically significant difference in favour of water-based exercise (MD -3.00; 95% CI -5.26 to -0.74; one study; 30 participants). Only one study reported long-term outcomes after water-based exercise training for quality of life and body composition, and no significant change was observed between baseline results and six-month follow-up results. One minor adverse event was reported for water-based exercise training (based on reporting from two studies; 20 participants). Impact of disease severity could not be examined because data were insufficient. There is limited quality evidence that water-based exercise training is safe and improves exercise capacity and quality of life in people with COPD immediately after training. There is limited quality evidence that water-based exercise training offers advantages over land-based exercise training in improving endurance exercise capacity, but we remain uncertain as to whether it leads to better quality of life. Little evidence exists examining the long-term effect of water-based exercise training.

Different land-based exercise training programs to improve bone health in postmenopausal women

Summary Bone mineral density reduction is a health problem in postmenopausal women because it leads to osteoporosis and high risk of falling, and bone fracture. Bone fractures induce functional dis-ability, poor quality of life, and reduced lifespan. Thus, therapies that reduce bone loss are highly necessary. In this study, we summarized findings from the literature regarding several useful land-based (as opposed to aquatic) exercise training programs for bone density maintenance in post-menopausal women. Trials published up to January 2013 in Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Medline databases (n=1966) were evaluated. The search included studies assessing ET effects on BMD in postmenopausal women. In the current literature, 4 types of exercise training programs (resistance, endurance, whole-body vibration, and multi-component training) have shown benefit in multiple bone sites. However, sev -eral studies provide a more positive clinical perspective for multi-component training. We show evidence that several land training programs may benefit bone health, in which multi-component training is most recommended. This is based on findings that multi-component train -ing induces lower fall frequency and risk for osteoporosis.

Water-based exercise in COPD with physical comorbidities: a randomised controlled trial

Land-based exercise is often difficult for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have coexisting obesity or musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. This randomised controlled trial aimed to determine the effectiveness of water-based exercise training in improving exercise capacity and quality of life compared to land-based exercise training and control (no exercise) in people with COPD and physical comorbidities. Participants referred to pulmonary rehabilitation were randomly allocated to a water-based exercise, land-based exercise or the control group. The two exercise groups trained for 8 weeks, completing three sessions per week. 45 out of 53 participants (mean ± SD age 72 ± 9 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 59 ± 15% predicted) completed the study. Compared to controls, water-based exercise training significantly increased 6-min walking distance, incremental and endurance shuttle walk distances, and improved Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ) dyspnoea and fatigue. Compared to land-based exercise training, water-based exercise training significantly increased incremental shuttle walk distance (mean difference 39 m, 95% CI 5-72 m), endurance shuttle walk distance (mean difference 228 m, 95% CI 19-438 m) and improved CRDQ fatigue. Water-based exercise training was significantly more effective than land-based exercise training and control in increasing peak and endurance exercise capacity and improving aspects of quality of life in people with COPD and physical comorbidities.

Land-Based Versus Water-Based Exercise Program in Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic-degenerative disorder that frequently affects the knee joint. OA prevalence increases with aging causing pain, stiffness and it is responsible for a higher incidence of disability than any other chronic disease in elderly. Patients with knee OA frequently report pain and problems with daily living activities, and present greater difficulty in performing physical and functional activities. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, has been studied in numerous trials, and the aquatic environment, due to their physical characteristics, is widely used for this practice in individuals with knee OA compared to walking on the soil. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of land-based (LB) and water-based (WB) exercise training on pain, functional and physical capacity, and quality of life of elderly women with knee OA. Method: 16 elderly women with knee OA confirmed by clinical and radiographic examination underwent assessments of functional performance, by six-minute walk test (6MWT) and stair test (ST), and physical capacity, determined by maximal progressive treadmill test to determine peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold (AT). OA symptoms were assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality of life by Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). All parameters were reevaluated after 12 weeks of aerobic training in LB and WB. The aerobic training consisted of walking, for 30-55 minutes, at 72-82% of estimated maximal heart rate, 3 times/week. RESULTS: Adherence to exercise in both, LB and WB training was 92%. No significant difference was found in functional and physical performance tests, WOMAC and SF-36 between LB and WB group. However, significant improvements were observed on all evaluated parameters on both groups after training: reduction on self-report pain, increased performance in 6MWT and ST, augment in VO2peak and VO2 corresponding to AT, and improvement of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The walking training on LB and WB group improved the functional and physical capacities, reduced self reported pain and improved life quality of elderly women with knee OA but no differences were observed between WB and LB exercise training. Support by: CNPq, CAPES, FAPEMIG, Brazil.

Body Composition Changes Resulting From Underwater Treadmill Walking Versus Land-Based Treadmill Walking

PURPOSE: To investigate possible changes in body composition resulting from exercise training on a land-based treadmill versus an underwater treadmill. METHODS: Sixteen subjects (mean age=43 years, mean weight=85.1 kg) were matched as closely as possible for age and BMI, then assigned to either the underwater treadmill group (UW)(n=6) or the land-based treadmill group (n=10). After initial assessments for weight (WT), percent body fat (%FAT), body mass Index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), waist to hip ratio (WH) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), both sets of subjects began a 12 week intensity progressive exercise regimen. Exercise intensities were calculated at each progression so subjects in both groups expended the same amount of calories during each exercise bout. The regimen began with subjects expending 250 kcals per bout, progressed to 500 kcals per bout by the end of week 6, and remained at that level for the duration of the study. Post training assessments were conducted at the end of the regimen. Data were analyzed using a 2X2 repeated measures ANOVA with mode of exercise as the between subjects factor. Comparisonwise error rate was set at alpha=0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences in changes of any of the body composition variables with regard to mode of exercise and no interaction was present (p<0.05), therefore the data were collapsed across mode of training. As a result of both types of training, VO2peak increased from 29.1 + 5.3 to 33.1 + 6.3 ml/kg/min (p<0.05). WT dropped from a mean of 85.6 + 20.0 kg to 84.6+ 19.2 kg (p<0.05), %FAT from 35.1 + 9.5 to 33.2 + 9.4 (p<0.05), BMI from 28.0 + 5.0 to 27.6 +4.7 (p<0.05), and FM from 29.3+ 12.1 to 27.6+ 11.5 kg (p<0.05). LBM and WH showed no significant changes as a result of training. It should be noted, however, that LBM tended increase more in the UW group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: When caloric expenditure is held constant, there are no significant differences in body composition changes with respect to water versus land-based treadmill exercise training. Further, both land-based and water treadmill exercise training beneficially improve, at least to a small extent, most indices of body composition.

Effects of Swim Training on Blood Pressure in Individuals with Hypertension 556

Despite the fact that swimming is widely recommended for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, no study has examined the potential efficacy of regular swimming exercise for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive humans. To test the hypothesis that regular swimming exercise lowers resting blood pressure, previously-sedentary individuals with stage I to II hypertension were divided into a swim training (n=12) and non-exercising control group(n=6). The training group swam at 60% of maximal heart rate reserve for 45 minutes per day 3 days/week for 10 weeks whereas the control group remained sedentary. In the swim training group, systolic blood pressure fell from 150±5 to 144±4 mmHg (P<0.05). Diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure did not change significantly. Resting heart rate decreased from 81±4 to 71±3 bpm (P<0.05). Although caloric and macronutrient intake estimated from the dietary records stayed constant before and after training, body mass and body fat percentage showed no statistically significant changes. No significant changes were observed in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, casual forearm vascular resistance, plasma volume and blood volume. There were no significant changes in any of these variables in the control group. It was concluded that swim training elicited a significant reduction in arterial blood pressure in individuals with hypertension although the magnitude of the blood pressure reduction was smaller than that typically observed in land-based exercise training.