Effect of Aqua Aerobics on Selected Somatic, Physiological and Aerobic Capacity Parameters in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

The world's population is aging. Aquatic exercises can improve the physical function in humans and raise the quality of their lives in middle and older age. The study aimed to determine the effect of aqua aerobics on the selected somatic, physiological and aerobic capacity parameters in postmenopausal women. 11 purposively selected women that were confirmed overweight or obese by 20% and had Body Mass Index of 30 ±5 (the first stage of obesity) took part in aqua aerobics classes three times a week for 14 weeks. Their mean age was 56.18 ±3.19 years and mean height was 166.5 ±7.41 cm. The value of LBM and muscle mass (p = 0.04 in both cases) were statistically significantly higher at study end compared with their baseline values, likewise haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.001), haematocrit (p = 0.03) and blood cell count (p = 0.01), whereas BMI (p = 0.02) and percentage body fat (p = 0.04) were significantly lower. The lactate analysis revealed significant changes in LA max (p = 0.04), LAres9' (p = 0.02), Delta LAmax-LAsp (p = 0.02) and Delta LAres9'-LAres3' (p = 0.0004). After 14 weeks of aqua aerobic workout, significant changes were noted in the selected somatic, morphological and aerobic capacity parameters in postmenopausal women, but the differences between the lipid profiles were insignificant.