Vertical Ground Reaction Force during Water Exercises Performed at Different Intensities

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the peak vertical ground reaction force (V-GRF(peak)) and impulse of women performing water aerobic exercises at different intensities in aquatic and dry land environments. 15 young women performed 1 session in each environment consisting of 3 water aerobic exercises (stationary running, frontal kick and cross country skiing) performed at 3 cadences (first ventilatory threshold, second ventilatory threshold and maximum effort, as determined during exercise in water) in a randomized order. 2-way and 3-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the impulse and V-GRF(peak), respectively. Significantly lower values of V-GRF(peak) and impulse (p<0.001) were observed for the aquatic environment. Significant differences were observed among all cadences for V-GRF(peak) and impulse (p<0.001) in both environments except for the V-GRF(peak) between the cadences corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold and maximum effort in the aquatic environment. In addition, significantly lower V-GRF(peak) values in the aquatic environment were found for cross country skiing compared to the other exercises (p<0.001). Thus, water exercises are safe for people that need to minimize vertical ground reaction force; however, an important issue to be considered during water aerobics training is the exercise and intensity to be prescribed.

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

“…In the weeks 5-8, subjects performed three sets of 3 min with the same sequence abovementioned, totaling 27 min, and in the last 4 weeks (9-12), subjects performed four sets of 3 min, totaling 36 min. The three water-based exercises are described in the study of Alberton et al (2013a). During the sessions of aerobic training, all the subjects used a coded Polar monitor in order to control the HR corresponding to VT 2 .…”

“…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).…”

Continuous and interval training programs using deep water running improves functional fitness and blood pressure in the older adults

“…Physical properties of the water, such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure, provide important biomechanical and physiological alterations, such as a lower ground reaction force, when compared to the land environment (Brito-Fontana et al 2012;Alberton et al 2013aAlberton et al , 2013b, lower sympathetic and adrenergic activation, and suppression of the rennin angiotensin system, with a consequent reduction in heart rate and BP (Epstein 1992). Among the modalities of aquatic exercises, deep water running (DWR) has been highlighted for its benefits (Kanitz et al 2015).…”

Cardiorespiratory responses during deep water running with and without horizontal displacement at different cadences

“…The water was maintained at a temperature of 30 • C, which is considered thermally neutral for water-based exercise. 23 In the familiarization session, the correct technique for deep water running with the floatation vest in two execution forms (with and without displacement) was demonstrated well as was the cadences used in the tests, Borg's Scale (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and the neoprene mask used for gas collection.…”

“…Such activities have been recommended due to their physical fitness benefits, 1 lower cardiovascular demand 2,3 and reduced impact on the joints of the lower limbs. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Deep water running is performed with the aid of a floatation vest that keeps the individual upright and does not allow the feet to rest on the bottom of the pool. 10 This exercise can be performed with or without displacement.…”