Jumping into the deep-end: results from a pilot impact evaluation of a community-based aquatic exercise program

Abstract

This multi-center quasi-experimental pilot study aimed to evaluate changes in pain, joint stiffness, physical function, and quality of life over 12 weeks in adults with musculoskeletal conditions attending 'Waves' aquatic exercise classes. A total of 109 adults (mean age, 65.2 years; range, 24-93 years) with musculoskeletal conditions were recruited across 18 Australian community aquatic centers. The intervention is a peer-led, 45 min, weekly aquatic exercise class including aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises (n = 67). The study also included a control group of people not participating in Waves or other formal exercise (n = 42). Outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and EuroQoL five dimensions survey (EQ-5D) at baseline and 12 weeks. Satisfaction with Waves classes was also measured at 12 weeks. Eighty two participants (43 Waves and 39 control) completed the study protocol and were included in the analysis. High levels of satisfaction with classes were reported by Waves participants. Over 90 % of participants reported Waves classes were enjoyable and would recommend classes to others. Waves participants demonstrated improvements in WOMAC and EQ-5D scores however between-group differences did not reach statistical significance. Peer-led aquatic exercise classes appear to improve pain, joint stiffness, physical function and quality of life for people with musculoskeletal conditions. The diverse study sample is likely to have limited the power to detect significant changes in outcomes. Larger studies with an adequate follow-up period are needed to confirm effects.

Self-related quality of life of elderly submitted to a 12-week aquatic training program

“…Regular physical exercise is associated with well-being and good quality of life in the elderly (American College of Sports Medicine, 2009). One of the main findings of the present study indicates an improvement in the overall quality of life in elderly after 12 weeks of an aquatic training program, thus corroborating with studies that analysed protocols of 8 (Baena-Beato et al, 2013, 2014, 10 (Oh et al, 2015), 12 (Barker et al, 2016;Bocalini et al, 2010) and 20 (Cancela Carral & Ayán Pérez, 2008) weeks of aquatic training in the same population, showing the importance of regular practice of aquatic exercise in order to guarantee better quality of life for elderly persons. Paiva et al (2016) analysed the health factors associated with the quality of life of 3430 elderly people and observed that self-reported morbidities related to functional disability and health perception are associated with low scores of the "death and dying" and "past, present and future activities" aspects.…”

“…Physical exercise is able to reduce the natural negative effects of aging, preventing the development of chronic-degenerative diseases and thus provide an increase in life expectancy (American College of Sports Medicine, 2009). The physical exercise performed in aquatic environment is linked to a safer practice for the elderly population, since it promotes physical and social benefits from reducing the impact on the joints, neuromuscular wear, as well as potentiating the activity in a collective environment, thus fostering an interpersonal interaction between practitioners (Barker et al, 2016;Bocalini et al, 2010;Cancela Carral and Ayán Pérez 2008;Devereux et al, 2005;Oh et al, 2015;Sato et al, 2009).…”

“…Previous studies have focused on the effect of physical exercise programs on the quality of life of the elderly (Barker et al, 2016;Bocalini et al, 2010;Cancela Carral and Ayán Pérez 2008;Dechamps et al, 2010;Dehi et al, 2014;Devereux et al, 2005;Dias et al, 2003;Fraga et al, 2011;Geirsdottir et al, 2012;Haraldstad et al, 2017;King et al, 2000;Krist et al, 2013;Madureira et al, 2010;Mura et al, 2014;Oh et al, 2015;Sato et al, 2009;Sun et al, 2017;Tamari, 2011), alternating between educational approaches (Sun et al, 2017), recreation and walking programs (Fraga et al, 2011), Tai chi (Dechamps et al, 2010) and physical exercise in aquatic (Barker et al, 2016;Bocalini et al, 2010;Cancela Carral and Ayán Pérez 2008;Devereux et al, 2005;Oh et al, 2015;Sato et al, 2009) and land (Dehi et al, 2014;Dias et al, 2003;Geirsdottir et al, 2012;Haraldstad et al, 2017;King et al, 2000;Krist et al, 2013;Madureira et al, 2010;Mura et al, 2014;Tamari, 2011) environments.…”

Knee osteoarthritis and aquatic cycling

“…Previous research using booklet diaries and comparable diary periods showed good compliance and a low dropout rate, indicating that this method is acceptable for chronic pain patients. 87 will be assessed after the final training session by means of planned focus group sessions. Small group interviews will be planned, and participants will be asked broad, open ended questions about their expectations, fulfilment of expectations, positive and negative aspects of the training and suggestions for further development of the training.…”

“…84,87 These programmes are commonly open to a broader target population (e.g. hip and knee OA) and supervised by sport and lifestyle professionals.…”