The Effect of 12 Weeks of Water-Aerobics on Health Status and Physical Fitness: An Ecological Approach

Introduction

The study titled “The Effect of 12 Weeks of Water-Aerobics on Health Status and Physical Fitness: An Ecological Approach” investigates the impact of a structured water aerobics program on various health indicators and physical fitness parameters in adults and older adults. Conducted by Henrique Pereira Neiva and colleagues, the research aims to provide empirical evidence on the benefits of water-based exercises, which are often recommended for their low-impact nature and suitability for diverse populations, including those with joint issues or limited mobility. The study’s ecological approach emphasizes real-world applicability, making the findings relevant for practical implementation in community and clinical settings.

Synopsis

The study involved 23 participants who were divided into an experimental group (Exercise) and a control group (Control). The Exercise group participated in 45-minute water aerobics sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, while the Control group did not engage in any structured physical activity during the same period. The primary outcomes measured included explosive strength, body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Key Findings:

1. Explosive Strength: The Exercise group showed a moderate increase in the explosive strength of the upper limbs, as measured by the vertical jump test. This improvement indicates that water aerobics can enhance muscle power and functional performance.

2. Body Composition: Participants in the Exercise group experienced a reduction in body fat percentage. This finding suggests that water aerobics can effectively contribute to weight management and overall body composition improvement.

3. Blood Pressure: The study found a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in the Exercise group. This indicates that regular participation in water aerobics can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, particularly in reducing the risk of hypertension.

4. Lipid Profile: Despite the positive changes in body composition and blood pressure, the study did not observe significant alterations in the lipid profiles of the participants. This suggests that while water aerobics can improve certain health markers, it may not be sufficient to impact lipid levels significantly.

5. Cardiorespiratory Fitness: The study did not find significant changes in cardiorespiratory fitness among the participants. This indicates that the intensity and frequency of the water aerobics sessions might not have been enough to elicit improvements in this area.

6. Within-Group Changes: The Exercise group showed significant within-group changes, including increased explosive strength, decreased fat mass, and reduced systolic blood pressure. These findings highlight the potential benefits of water aerobics for improving specific health and fitness parameters.

Conclusion

The study concludes that a 12-week water aerobics program, performed twice a week, can lead to significant improvements in explosive strength, body composition, and blood pressure in adults and older adults. These findings suggest that water aerobics is a viable exercise option for enhancing certain aspects of physical fitness and health status, particularly for populations that may benefit from low-impact exercise modalities.

The researchers advocate for the inclusion of water aerobics in exercise programs, especially for older adults and those with joint issues, due to its low-impact nature and the observed health benefits. They also suggest further research to explore the long-term effects of water aerobics and its impact on other health parameters.

In summary, the study provides evidence that water aerobics can be an effective exercise intervention for improving specific health and fitness outcomes, making it a valuable addition to physical activity recommendations for adults and older adults.

Source Study: NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5978883/