Is water-based exercise training sufficient to improve physical fitness in the elderly?

Abstract

The research on the effects of aquatic exercise is a field that has grown rapidly in the last decade. The majority of the available literature is focused on the benefits of waterbased exercise programs for people with rheumatologic disease and back pain; however, there is a lack of evidence reporting the effects of exercise performed in an aquatic medium for healthy elderly adults. The purpose of this study was to critically review the existing evidence of a potential relationship between water-based exercise and improvement of physical fitness in healthy elderly subjects. A systematic database search for manuscripts and a quality control were performed. A system of rating was defined. Aerobic, muscular strength, flexibility and body composition outcomes were then extracted. Nine studies were analyzed after the screening for eligibility: five randomized controlled trials (RCT), three randomized uncontrolled trials (UT) and one controlled trial (CT). Four RCT and two randomized UT were classified as high quality studies. One RCT, one randomized UT and one CT were considered low quality studies.Strong evidence supports the use of water-based exercise for the improvement of aerobic capacity and strength. Moderate evidence highlights the benefits on flexibility, and inconclusive evidence was found supporting the modification of body composition.

Neuromuscular adaptations to water-based concurrent training in postmenopausal women: effects of intrasession exercise sequence

“…In addition, due to the characteristics of water, the exercises performed in the aquatic environment are safe (Meredith-Jones et al 2011;Alberton et al 2013a) and effective to improve physical fitness of women in aging process (Takeshima et al 2002;Bento et al 2012). Despite the benefits of water-based programs reported in the literature, the optimal prescription of these programs is not entirely established in individuals in aging process (Bergamin et al 2012). Thus, in order to broaden the knowledge related to the prescription in this modality, it is relevant to determine the most effective intrasession exercise sequence to promote greater neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory gains during concurrent training in the aquatic environment.…”

Differences Between Body Composition and Physiological Characteristics of Active/Inactive Elderly Women

“…(Chen et al, 2004), while obesity is associated with the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular risk, etc (Ruiz-Montero et al) The elderly population does not enjoy total well-being due to the physical limitations or chronic cardiovascular factors such as body composition changes, both being associated with limitations in functionality (Yoem et al, 2008). Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are both causes of negative health consequences (Bergamin et al, 2012) Therefore, PA is considered as a forceful health indicator which produces benefits in the elderly, being used as an effective intervention to prevent functional loss related to age (Ikezoe et al, 2013). In addition, PA promotes an improves quality of life and, as a result, greater longevity (Ruiz-Montero et al).…”

Fatal, unintentional drowning in older people: an assessment of the role of preexisting medical conditions

“…The normal aging process includes the sequential loss of muscle strength [6] , aerobic endurance [7] , agility, balance [8] , flexibility, and bone density [9] . The hydrostatic buoyancy experienced when participating in aquatic activities slows the rate of such progression in a joint-sparing manner, as well as preserving physical fitness [10] and balance [11] . Low intensity aquatic exercises can benefit seniors with a variety of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [12] , osteoarthritis [13] and chronic pain syndrome [14] .…”