Water Aerobics Research Articles

Duration of Water-Based Exercise on Hemodynamic and Sleep Quality: An of Hypertensives and Normotensives Subanalysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether a better hemodynamic profile and a better sleep quality are associated with the duration of physical exercise in the water; secondly, it aims to determine whether better sleep quality is associated with a more favorable hemodynamic profile. Methods: 97 subjects (85 women, age 59.46 ± 10.62) were included in the study. Groups were divided into normotensive (n = 46) and hypertensive individuals, (n = 51) duration of water aerobics (1–6 (n = 18), 7–11 (n = 11), 12–35 (n = 26), and > 36 months (n = 42), respectively), and sleep quality (Good, Poor, and Sleep Disordered). The peripheral (brachial), central (through applanation tonometry), and arterial blood pressure were assessed, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was collected. Results: We found that the groups practicing water-based exercise for a more extended period (>6 months) did not present improved pressure values and sleep quality. The best (though still weak) relationship between the water-based exercise time and the sleep quality values occurred between the group of 7–11 exercising for over 36 months (r = - 0.29 for both). When multivariate regression analysis was performed, there was interaction between AIx@75bpm and sleep quality score, as well as between AIx@75bpm and the age of subjects (p = .006 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The data from the present study reported that subjects who participated for a longer time in the water aerobics training protocol had no additional hemodynamic and sleep quality benefits compared to volunteers with shorter duration groups (<6 months).

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES IN INACTIVE WOMEN INDUCED BY VARIOUS WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Hypokinesia has reached pandemic levels globally. In response, numerous wellness programs have been developed as potential solutions to this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different three-month experimental wellness programs. The sample consisted of 56 inactive women (aged 30-40), divided into two experimental groups (E1, N=28; E2, N=28). Group E1 participated in an aqua aerobics program (3 sessions per week, 45 minutes each), for 12 weeks. Group E2, followed a workplace wellness program that included Fit ball exercises (3 sessions per week, 15 minutes each), along with relaxation massages (3 sessions per week, 10 minutes each) for 12 weeks. The results of the t-test for the experimental group E1 (aqua aerobics) showed a significant difference between the initial and final measurements for all tested variables (vital capacity, systolic arterial blood pressure, diastolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate at rest, working pulse, Romberg’s test, Stanga’s test, and relative oxygen consumption). The t-test results of the experimental group E2 (fit-ball with relaxation massage) show a significant difference in all tested variables, with the exception of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The analysis of the differences between the experimental groups (E1 and E2) showed a significant difference in favour of group E1 at the final test, except for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and relative oxygen consumption. Applied experimental models of wellness programs represent a good instrument for optimizing the functional abilities of inactive women aged 30-40.

Brazilians living with diabetes do not meet basic physical activity guidelines for health – a cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of physical activity (PA) of Brazilian adults living with diabetes mellitus living in large Brazilian urban centers, as well as to determine whether the practice aligns with the physical activity guidelines recommended for people with diabetes. Material and methods. Cross-sectional data were acquired from the 2020 Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, in which about 54,000 persons aged 18 and older in all Brazilian state capitals were contacted in a telephone survey. Participants reported on their engagement in recreational physical activity and active commuting to school and/or work in the three months preceding the interview, as well as the weekly frequency and duration of these activities. They also stated whether they were living with diabetes. A descriptive analysis was performed, and statistical significance was determined using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Results. In 2020, 7.9% of the population identified themselves living with diabetes. There was a greater frequency among older women and those with less education. Walking, water aerobics, and general gymnastics were the most common kinds of physical activity reported by people with diabetes. Moreover, over half of them (54.5%) were inactive, and 15% matched the physical activity criteria. The majority (90%) practiced PA for 30 minutes or more per day, while 87% of those who were active and exercised 1 to 2 times per week did not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health. Conclusion. In 2020, 7.9% of the population identified themselves as having diabetes. There was a higher frequency among older women and those with less schooling. In the sample as a whole, approximately 70% of people living with diabetes were inactive (54.5%) or did not meet the minimum BP recommendations for people with diabetes. The duration of each session seemed to be in line with the recommendations, however, the lack of regularity caused by the low weekly frequency meant that the minimum recommended target could not be achieved. Efforts involving the continued monitoring of people living with diabetes and counseling in Primary Health Care to opt for a more physically active life, seem to be promising acts for a healthier life, pending a definitive resolution to the disease.

THE HISTORY OF USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS

This article examines the historical development and implementation of information technologies in physical education and sports. Through comprehensive analysis of scientific literature and online sources, the study explores early innovations in computer programs and software applications designed for biomechanical analysis, monitoring of physical condition, training modeling, and individualized program creation in sports and fitness. Key contributions from researchers at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine are highlighted, including significant developments in posture analysis, foot diagnostics, and video-based motion capture systems. The paper thoroughly reviews specialized software for professional bodybuilding, aqua aerobics, family health management, and student physical education, demonstrating the breadth of applications across various domains. A detailed classification system for information technologies in physical culture and sports is presented, categorizing applications by areas such as sports training, physical education, and rehabilitation. The research demonstrates the widespread adoption of information technologies across diverse aspects of physical education and sports, enabling sophisticated biomechanical assessments, comprehensive physical state monitoring, advanced training simulations, and personalized program development. The authors conclude that information technologies have become integral tools in enhancing physical education and sports practices, with significant potential for further implementation in higher education curricula. The study also emphasizes the need for continued research and development in this rapidly evolving field, particularly in areas such as virtual reality applications and mobile technologies for promoting physical activity and health.

Efficacy of the combination of water aerobics and metacognitive training on psychological and physical health variables and their relationship with SP1 and SP4 biomarkers in people with psychosis: a study protocol.

Metacognitive Training (MCT) is widely used and effective in reducing positive symptoms in psychosis. Physical exercise, such as Water Aerobics (WA), improves general health, quality of life and symptoms as a low impact activity that allows social interactions. Preliminary results suggest a relationship between dopamine and psychotic symptoms, through SP transcription factors, SP1 and SP4 biomarkers. The aims of the project are to evaluate the efficacy of a combined intervention (WA and MCT) for psychosis to improve psychotic symptoms, physical health, and transcription levels of SP biomarkers. This is a unicentric randomized controlled trial of three parallel intervention groups: MCT, WA and combined intervention. The estimated sample will be 48 patients with a psychotic spectrum disorder diagnosis. The assessment will be performed at baseline and at 2-months' follow-up. Instruments used in the assessment will include clinical, cognitive, metacognitive, social cognitive and psychosocial variables. This will be the first study investigating the impact of the combination of MCT and WA in psychosis. Moreover, it will be the first study analyzing changes in the transcriptional biomarkers SP1 and SP4 after interventions. The results of this study may have clinical implications contributing to the improvement of treatment selection. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT05455593.

Effect of different exercises on sleep quality in elderly women: a systematic review

Abstract Sleep disorder is a common problem in elderly women, which can cause problems and acute complications on society and the healthcare system, including reducing the quality of life. Exercise is a simple, low-cost, and effective way to improve sleep quality. The purpose of this study was to critically review the available literature on different types of physical activity that affect the sleep quality of elderly women to determine which type of physical activity can improve their sleep quality. A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted in the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to March 18, 2024. One hundred and thirty-nine articles were retrieved, of which 13 randomised controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these studies showed that performing various exercises, including water sports, resistance, aerobics, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Baduanjin exercises across varying intensities from low to high, can improve the quality of sleep of elderly women. Research indicates that diverse exercise programs tailored for elderly women can effectively enhance sleep quality and its associated aspects.

Effects of a pilot 12-week exercise program on breast cancer survivors’ quality of life.

e12525 Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that breast cancer survivors commonly experience a decrease in quality of life including an increased risk of depression, insomnia, cancer-related fatigue, and negative body image. Several studies have shown that exercise interventions, such as yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and strengthening exercises can improve survivors’ quality of life. We implemented a 12-week exercise program in breast cancer survivors and evaluated quality of life changes. Here we discuss our findings evaluating 13 quality of life questionnaires. Methods: We evaluated 46 participants who completed a baseline and post 12-week questionnaire assessment. All participants underwent an exercise program 3 times/week for 90 minutes/session. We calculated differences in baseline and post 12-week quality of life through 13 questionnaires: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) Physical, Social/Family, Emotional, and Functional, Social Support, Insomnia Severity Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Body Image after Breast Cancer (BIBCQ) Vulnerability Scale (VS), Body Stigma Scale (BSS), Limitations Scale (LS), Body Concerns Scale (BCS), Transparency Scale (TS), and Arm Concerns Scale (ACS) and assessed the intervention's efficacy by comparing the baseline and post 12-week scores using paired t-tests. Results: The difference between baseline and post 12-week quality of life are presented in the Table. 7/13 questionnaires showed statistical significance: FACT-G Physical and Functional, Insomnia Severity Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, and BIBCQ LS and BCS. Conclusions: Our study showed improvement in metrics evaluated in breast cancer survivors who underwent the personalized exercise program. Specifically, body image was improved with exercise which further exemplifies the impact of lifestyle changes on quality of life measures and is an important adjunct to future cancer survivorship studies. Clinical trial information: NCT04013568 . [Table: see text]

The Impact of a 12-Week Aqua Fitness Program on the Physical Fitness of Women over 60 Years of Age.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12-week Aqua Fitness program on the physical fitness of older women and emphasize sustainable health practices for aging populations. We focused on evaluating the program's effectiveness, using the Senior Fitness Test to measure improvements in physical capabilities. An experimental research design was implemented, with 30 participants aged 60 and older. The participants were divided into a control group and an experimental group, each comprising 15 individuals. The control group received aqua Fitness exercises, and the experimental group received aqua fitness exercises and isometric (combined) exercises. Lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, dynamic balance, agility, and endurance were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-training. For a comparison within the group, combined exercises (aqua fitness and isometric exercises) had a significant effect on lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility on the right side, dynamic balance, agility, and endurance. Aqua fitness exercises alone showed significant effects on upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, and endurance and no significant effects on other variables. For the comparison between groups, no significant differences were found between the effects of aqua fitness exercises and combined exercises on lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, and endurance. Significant differences were found only in dynamic balance and agility between the two groups of aqua fitness and combined exercises. Although the combined program (aqua fitness and isometric exercises) had a greater effect on improving the physical fitness of older adults than aqua fitness alone, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Therefore, the results of this study highlight the potential of aqua fitness in promoting sustainable health and physical fitness in the older adult population.

Differences in brain connectivity between older adults practicing Tai Chi and Water Aerobics: a case-control study.

This study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms that differentiate mind-body practices from aerobic physical activities and elucidate their effects on cognition and healthy aging. We examined functional brain connectivity in older adults (age > 60) without pre-existing uncontrolled chronic diseases, comparing Tai Chi with Water Aerobics practitioners. We conducted a cross-sectional, case-control fMRI study involving two strictly matched groups (n = 32) based on gender, age, education, and years of practice. Seed-to-voxel analysis was performed using the Salience, and Frontoparietal Networks as seed regions in Stroop Word-Color and N-Back tasks and Resting State. During Resting State condition and using Salience network as a seed, Tai Chi group exhibited a stronger correlation between Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Insular Cortex areas (regions related to interoceptive awareness, cognitive control and motor organization of subjective aspects of experience). In N-Back task and using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed increased correlation between Left Supramarginal Gyrus and various cerebellar regions (related to memory, attention, cognitive processing, sensorimotor control and cognitive flexibility). In Stroop task, using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed enhanced correlation between Left Rostral Prefrontal Cortex and Right Occipital Pole, and Right Lateral Occipital Cortex (areas associated with sustained attention, prospective memory, mediate attention between external stimuli and internal intention). Additionally, in Stroop task, using Frontoparietal network as seed, Water Aerobics group exhibited a stronger correlation between Left Posterior Parietal Lobe (specialized in word meaning, representing motor actions, motor planning directed to objects, and general perception) and different cerebellar regions (linked to object mirroring). Our study provides evidence of differences in functional connectivity between older adults who have received training in a mind-body practice (Tai Chi) or in an aerobic physical activity (Water Aerobics) when performing attentional and working memory tasks, as well as during resting state.

Is Binge Drinking Associated With Specific Types of Exercise and Free Time Sports? A Pooled Analysis With 718,147 Adults.

To verify the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking in a large sample of adults. Data of 718,147 adults from the "Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey" were used. We described the demographic and behavioral variables, and negative binomial regression analyzed the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking adjusted by demographics variables, body mass index status, and television time. Outdoor walking/running was the most common exercise reported (20.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.8%-20.2%), followed by team sports (8.1%; 95% CI, 8.0%-8.2%) and strengthening (8.0%; 95% CI, 7.9%-8.1%). The prevalence of binge drinking for each exercise and free time sport type ranged from 6.9% (water aerobics) to 31.9% (team sports). Participants engaging in strengthening (prevalence ratio = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21, P = .002) and team sports (prevalence ratio = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.17, P < .001) were more likely to binge drink more frequently in the past 30days than inactive participants. It appears that the participants' profile plays an important role in the underlying social context of this association. Participants with more frequent strengthening and less frequent team sports practice, who were primarily younger and single, were more likely to binge drink frequently.

Investigation of the Effect Of Eight-Week Aqua Fitness Exercises On Some Strength Parameters And Body Composition With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of eight-week aqua fitness (AF) exercises on some strength parameters and body composition of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Twenty children with ASD, aged 5 to 9 years, who participated in basic physical activity training (BMT) for at least three months were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: AF exercise group (AFG) and basic movement training group (BMTG). The AFG group was trained for 8 weeks (2 days per week) using AF, while the BMTG group completed basic movement training (BMT) exercises for 8 weeks (2 days per week). Before and after the training programs, the medicine ball throw, flexibility test, vertical jump, standing long jump, and body fat percentage of the participants were determined. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis of the study. The study measured a significant difference before and after the AF training program medicine ball throw (p=.005), sit and reach test (p=.005), vertical jump (p=.005), standing long jump (p=.005) and body fat percentage in AFG, before and after training. medicine ball throw (p=.564), vertical jump (p=.461), and standing long jump (p=.674) did not change in the BMTG group before and after training. Sit and reach (p=.039) and body fat percentage (p=.032) changed significantly in BMTG. AF exercises had a positive effect on some strength parameters and body composition in individuals with ASD. AF Exercises showed more effective results than BMT exercises in individuals with ASD

Motivations for and interests in health-enhancing exercise of adolescent girls with different body weight

The article discusses the issue of development of motives and interests in adolescent children with different body weights (normal and underweight) when involving them in programs of physical activity based on the use of health fitness means. The aim of the study was to assess the motives and interests of adolescent girls with different body weights for participation in health-enhancing physical activities in order to increase the level of their involvement in regular physical activity classes. Methods: analysis of theoretical material, comparative analysis (comparison and comparison), sociological methods (questionnaires), and methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 138 girls aged 12-13 years. Results. Priority types of physical activity of 12-13-year-old girls during their leisure time were: walks, dance fitness, roller skating, mental fitness, functional training, and aqua fitness. The choice of types of health-enhancing recreational physical activity did not differ significantly among normal weight and underweight adolescent girls aged 12-13 years. When choosing health-enhancing physical activities, the main objectives were: aesthetic motives (increasing physical attractiveness and body weight management), achievement of prestigious motives (desire to increase prestige, to be accepted in society), recreational motives (active leisure time, emotionally attractive organization of free time, satisfaction from activity). For most adolescent girls, health reasons (improvement of health status and functional capabilities of the body) were not a priority. The difference in answers between normal weight and underweight girls was found to be significant. Conclusion. In the rating of motives of underweight girls, the first places were occupied by aesthetic, prestigious, recreational, and personal motives, whereas in girls with a normative body weight, psychological, aesthetic, and health-recreational motives prevailed.

Motivational priorities of women in the first period of adulthood regarding recreational aquafitness classes

The article examines the issue of motivation of women in the first period of adulthood regarding recreational aquafitness classes. Motivation is a psychophysiological process that, under the influence of external or internal factors, stimulates people's desire to engage in this or that activity. Aquafitness classes are one of the main factors in slowing down the aging process, maintaining health and increasing physical activity. Only a few scientific studies have been found that highlight the specifics of aqua fitness classes with women in the first period of adulthood. The question of the priority motives of women in the process of health training and the importance of taking them into account when planning during physical exertion is considered. Women in the first period of adulthood participated in the study (n=60). One of the questions of the questionnaire was to determine the motivational priorities of women in the first period of adulthood for aquafitness classes. Thus, the majority (70.1%) of the interviewed women are not satisfied or partially satisfied with their own bodies, women sought to improve their girth measurements, namely: waist – 86.8%, hips – 78.5%, buttocks – 70.1%. The level of physical fitness of women according to their own subjective feeling is: 40.1% - lower than average, 36.7% - average and 13.4% - low. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the motivational priorities of women in the first period of adulthood for recreational aquafitness classes were determined. It should be noted that our research correlates to some extent with other research on the features of motor activity of adult women in their free time. These results are the reason for developing a program of aquafitness classes using a differentiated approach with a selected contingent of women according to their body types and body mass index indicators.

Novel memetic of beluga whale optimization with self-adaptive exploration–exploitation balance for global optimization and engineering problems

A population-based optimizer called beluga whale optimization (BWO) depicts behavioral patterns of water aerobics, foraging, and diving whales. BWO runs effectively, nevertheless it retains numerous of deficiencies that has to be strengthened. Premature convergence and a disparity between exploitation and exploration are some of these challenges. Furthermore, the absence of a transfer parameter in the typical BWO when moving from the exploration phase to the exploitation phase has a direct impact on the algorithm’s performance. This work proposes a novel modified BWO (mBWO) optimizer that incorporates an elite evolution strategy, a randomization control factor, and a transition factor between exploitation and exploitation. The elite strategy preserves the top candidates for the subsequent generation so it helps generate effective solutions with meaningful differences between them to prevent settling into local maxima. The elite random mutation improves the search strategy and offers a more crucial exploration ability that prevents stagnation in the local optimum. The mBWO incorporates a controlling factor to direct the algorithm away from the local optima region during the randomization phase of the BWO. Gaussian local mutation (GM) acts on the initial position vector to produce a new location. Because of this, the majority of altered operators are scattered close to the original position, which is comparable to carrying out a local search in a small region. The original method can now depart the local optimal zone because to this modification, which also increases the optimizer’s optimization precision control randomization traverses the search space using random placements, which can lead to stagnation in the local optimal zone. Transition factor (TF) phase are used to make the transitions of the agents from exploration to exploitation gradually concerning the amount of time required. The mBWO undergoes comparison to the original BWO and 10 additional optimizers using 29 CEC2017 functions. Eight engineering problems are addressed by mBWO, involving the design of welded beams, three-bar trusses, tension/compression springs, speed reducers, the best design of industrial refrigeration systems, pressure vessel design challenges, cantilever beam designs, and multi-product batch plants. In both constrained and unconstrained settings, the results of mBWO preformed superior to those of other methods.

Co‐design of an Aboriginal Health Practitioner‐led dementia prevention program (DAMPAA) using a Theory of Change framework

AbstractBackgroundDementia prevalence and incidence in Aboriginal Australians is three to five times that of the general population. Many of the known risk factors for dementia in this population are modifiable (e.g., head injury, hypertension, previous stroke and poor mobility). However, there is currently no evidence‐base on how to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia in Aboriginal Australians. Therefore, a comprehensive program to target dementia risk factors in this population is required.MethodIn partnership with three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Western Australia, we have developed an Aboriginal health practitioner‐led health program (DAMPAA) to target key dementia risk factors for Aboriginal people over 45 years. The DAMPAA program was co‐designed by the research team, Elders and Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations. Qualitative data to inform the co‐design was collected through ACCHS staff workshops, Elders yarning groups and interviews with DAMPAA Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal researchers using a Theory of Change framework. Additionally, a small pilot study was conducted in 2020, which included participant exit interviews conducted by Aboriginal researchers. Qualitative data from all data sources was analysed thematically by a qualitative researcher, and member checked by two DAMPAA Aboriginal researchers and the Elders Governance group.ResultThe DAMPAA program includes group physical activity, education, goal setting and medication management. Program enablers identified by ACCHS, research staff and participants include (but not limited to) group Aboriginal community controlled organisation based walking and yarning sessions, with additional activities such as aqua aerobics, tai chi and boot scooting, a buddy system for home exercising, connecting with others, transport, healthy food, being Aboriginal led, and the ACCHS partnership. An additional enabler identified by the Elders governance group include Aboriginal language education sessions. Program barriers identified include (but not limited to) family commitments, caring for grandchildren, travel for funerals and other appointments and participant contact details changed.ConclusionThe barriers and enablers identified from participants, ACCHS and DAMPAA staff have informed the development of the program protocol. DAMPAA will be evaluated through a randomised controlled trial implemented at four sites in Western Australia and process evaluation using a Theory of Change framework.

Motives and interests of women aged 25-35 to physical education

The article shows that the main motives that motivate urban women aged 25-35 to engage in physical exercises are body shaping, normalization of body weight (32.7%), fatigue relief, increased efficiency (30.9%), and the desire to improve health (27.9%). For women in rural areas, the first place is occupied by the motives of fatigue relief, increased efficiency (36.8%), body shaping, normalization of body weight (33.6%), and relief of psycho-emotional stress (25.7%).&#x0D; The lowest ranking places among urban women are occupied by such motives as formation of a good gait, movement culture (9.7%), expanding the social circle (10.9%), rural women are least motivated to exercise by such motives as developing a good gait and movement culture (3.3%), striving for personal physical perfection (4.6%).&#x0D; Urban women prefer fitness programs (43.7%), swimming and aqua aerobics (28.5%), sports games (15.1%), dancing (12.7%) and tourism (10.9%). Rural women prefer sports games (basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton) (17.1%) and fitness programs (16.4%).&#x0D; Among the reasons that prevent women from exercising, the most important, regardless of where they live, are lack of free time, fatigue after work, and lack of knowledge about organizing independent exercise classes.&#x0D; The lack of opportunity to choose hobby activities was reported mostly by women living in rural areas (52.0%). Also women in rural areas reported lack of financial opportunities (43.4%), refer to the fact that feel healthy and therefore did not see the necessity for physical exercise (37.5%), and indicate insufficient knowledge of on organization issues independent physical exercises (33.6%).

The Effects of 6-Month Aqua Aerobics Training on Cardiometabolic Parameters in Perimenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Menopause is a time when women experience a number of physiological and anatomical changes resulting from a decline in ovarian function. It can be concluded that cardiovascular disease increases in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, irrespective of age-related changes. Engaging in the amount of moderate physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization helps reduce the risk of death and adverse health events. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a 6-month aqua aerobics programme on cardiometabolic (anthropometric and biochemical) parameters in perimenopausal women. In this study, 30 women (control group-16, study group-14) participated in the 6-month aqua aerobics training programme. The mean age of women was 47.67 ± 6.79 year and BMI 26.33 ± 3.64 kg/m2. At the beginning and at the end of the study, anthropometric and blood samples analysis were performed. In the blood, lipid profile, morphotic elements were determined. Body composition, waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), blood pressure (BP) were measured. The aqua aerobics programme resulted in a significant decrease in the WHR (p < 0.05; ES: 2.143), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05; ES: 1.005), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PRL) (p < 0.05; ES: 0.460) and an increase in haemoglobin (HGB) concentration (p < 0.05; ES: 0.643). The type of physical activity described in the present study is a great way for perimenopausal women to take care of their overall well-being. The reduction in selected cardiometabolic parameters is important from the point of view of the protection of women's health.

Abstract P6-05-30: Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Program on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life

Abstract Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that breast cancer survivors commonly experience a decrease in quality of life including an increased risk of depression, insomnia, cancer-related fatigue, and negative body image. Several studies have shown that exercise interventions, such as yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and strengthening exercises, can improve survivors’ quality of life. We implemented a 12-week exercise program in breast cancer survivors and evaluated body composition and quality of life changes. Here we discuss our findings evaluating 5 quality of life questionnaires. Methods: We evaluated 22 participants who completed a baseline and post 12-week questionnaire assessments. All participants underwent a 12-week exercise program 3 times/week for 90 minutes/session. We calculated differences in baseline and post 12-week quality of life through 5 questionnaires: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G), Social Support, Insomnia Severity Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Body Image after Breast Cancer (BIBCQ) and assessed the intervention’s efficacy by comparing the baseline and post 12-week scores using paired t-tests. Results: The difference between baseline and post 12-week quality of life are presented in Table 1. 7/13 questionnaires showed statistical significance: FACT-G Emotional, FACT-G Functional, Insomnia Severity Index, BIBCQ Vulnerability Scale (VS), BIBCQ Body Stigma Scale (BSS), BIBCQ Limitation Scale (LS), and BIBCQ Body Concern Scale (BCS). Interestingly, 4/6 of the BIBCQ questionnaires showed statistical significance: BIBCQ VS, BIBCQ BSS, BIBCQ LS, and BIBCQ BCS. Summary: Our study showed improvement in all metrics evaluated in breast cancer survivors who underwent the personalized exercise program. Specifically, multiple questionnaires including body image were improved with exercise which further exemplifies the impact of lifestyle changes on quality of life measures and is an important adjunct to future cancer survivorship studies. Table 1. Summary of questionnaires with overall significant improvements. Citation Format: Lauren Imai, Kirsten Baron, Matthew Toyama, Ian Pagano, Paulette Yamada, Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, Jami Fukui. Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Program on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-30.

MedXFit: CrossFit® as a workplace health intervention

Background&#x0D; The MedXFit-study analyzed whether CrossFit® (CF) as a workplace health intervention (WHI) motivates inactive, sedentary employees to long-term training participation in order to improve health and fitness.&#x0D; Method&#x0D; The study followed a prospective, controlled intervention design and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the trial number NCT05109286. Fifty-five and 34 participants in the intervention (IG) and control group (CG) were measured at baseline (t0), 6 months (t1), and 12 months (t2). Civilian and military members of the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M) with a predominantly sedentary occupation who performed less than two strength and/or flexibility training sessions per week were included. While the IG attended CF training twice a week for 60 minutes, the CG was free to use the extensive fitness classes and facilities of the UniBw M (including yoga, spinning, aqua fitness) during working hours. Whether CF contributed to long-term behavioral change was determined by training adherence and evaluated based on the COM-B framework. This framework explains the occurrence of a target behavior via interactions between capability, opportunity, and motivation. Additionally, mobility, maximum strength, and well-being (WHO-5) were measured and analyzed for group differences using a mixed ANOVA. Back issues were assessed exploratively and analyzed by Mann-Whitney-U-test.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Twenty-nine participants of the IG and 28 of the CG completed the study. Dropouts were primarily extrinsically motivated (extrinsic: IG = 16, CG = 5; intrinsic: IG = 10, CG =1), resulting in a non-adherence of 22%. After 12 months, participants of the IG completed 79.3 (± 19.3) CF training sessions on average. All participants of the IG stated that they would continue training after the study. Although participants benefited from great opportunity, behavioral maintenance was mainly driven by positive interactions between behavior, motivation, and capability. In terms of capability we found significant improvements in mobility (ⴄ² = .61), maximum strength (ⴄ² = .36 to ⴄ² = .62), back problems (pain intensity: r = .4; pain frequency: r = .35), and subjectively perceived movement competence.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; CF proved to be an effective, long-term motivating training concept for inactive, sedentary employees and should be given greater consideration in the context of WHI.

Influence of Aqua Fitness Training Sessions on Improving the Biological Age Indicators in Overweight Female Students

Aim: To experimentally test the influence of aqua fitness training sessions on reducing the rate of aging in overweight female students. Materials and Methods: The research involved 25 female students aged 17-21 who were overweight. All female students were healthy, not obese, and overweight was associated with their unhealthy diet and insufficient motor activity. These female students were formed into experimental (EG, n = 12) and control (CG, n = 13) groups. Aqua fitness was used in the physical education of the EG students, while the CG students were engaged in dance aerobics. Biological age was studied using V. P. Voitenko’s method, which involves assessing the indicators of body weight, arterial blood pressure, static balancing time, and the index of health selfassessment. Results: The author’s methodology of aqua fitness training sessions was developed and experimentally tested, the content of which included specific aerobic, strength and coordination exercises performed against the background of constant tension of the abdominal muscles and reduced load on the joints in the aquatic environment. The positive influence of aqua fitness training sessions according to the author’s methodology on the indicators of body weight, static balancing time, and health self-assessment index was revealed. Conclusions: As a result of aqua fitness training, the EG students had a more significant decrease in the rate of aging of the body than the CG students, which confirms the enhanced health effect of aqua fitness training sessions.