Water-Based Exercises on Peak Oxygen Consumption, Exercise Time, and Muscle Strength in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. There is a growing use of water-based exercises in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, there is little data concerning the effects of water-based exercise on the exercise capacity of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Objective. To perform a systematic review to investigate the effects of water-based exercise on peak oxygen consumption, exercise time, and muscle strength in patients with CAD. Methods. Five databases were searched to find randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of water-based exercise for coronary artery disease patients. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. Results. Eight studies were included. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.4 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 2.3 to 4.5; I 2 = 0 %; 5 studies, N = 167 ), exercise time of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.1 to 1.1; I 2 = 0 %; 3 studies, N = 69 ), and total body strength of 32.2 kg (95% CI, 23.9 to 40.7; I 2 = 3 %; 3 studies, N = 69 ) when compared to no exercising controls. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.1 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7; I 2 = 13 %; 2 studies, N = 74 ), when compared to the plus land exercise group. No significant difference in peak VO2 was found for participants in the water-based exercise plus land exercise group compared with the land exercise group. Conclusions. Water-based exercise may improve exercise capacity and should be considered as an alternative method in the rehabilitation of patients with CAD.

Effects of Water-Based Exercise on Patients Older than 60 Years Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation after Coronary Intervention

“…These benefits may be particularly advantageous for older patients. However, the literature on the safety and effectiveness of water-based exercise in older adults is limited [8,25,26]. To our knowledge, our analysis is the first to demonstrate the potential benefits of water-based exercise in adults older than 60 years with CAD.…”

“…It has shown promising results in improving VO 2peak , exercise time, and muscle strength in individuals with coronary artery disease. This suggests that water-based exercise could serve as a valuable strategy to enhance exercise capacity in patients with CAD and merits consideration for inclusion in CR programs [8,24]. Water-based exercise also offers unique advantages, including a low-risk environment that supports body weight, reduces the risk of falling, and minimizes joint overload and musculoskeletal injuries.…”

“…Land-based aerobic and strength exercise training have traditionally dominated CR programs. However, alternative modalities, such as water-based exercises, are gaining traction [8].…”

Water aerobic training in cardiac rehabilitation programs

“…Проведенные исследования позволяют заключить, что, несмотря на особенности реакции сердечнососудистой системы на тренирующие нагрузки в водной среде, у пациентов с ишемической болезнью сердца (ИБС) водные тренировки при правильной технике и интенсивности обеспечивают достаточный кардиоваскулярный ответ для получения тренирующего эффекта [19].…”