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Water- versus land-based exercise in elderly subjects: effects on physical performance and body composition
Marco Bergamin1, Andrea Ermolao, Silvia Tolomio
1Sports Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy. marco.bergamin@unipd.it
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|September 7, 2013
Summary
Aquatic exercise in geothermal springs improved elderly physical function, dynamic balance, and body composition more than land-based exercise. Both methods maintained strength and improved flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Hydrotherapy
Background:
- Healthy aging requires maintaining physical function and muscle mass.
- Exercise interventions are crucial for elderly physical well-being.
- Aquatic exercise offers unique benefits due to water properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 24-week aquatic exercise protocol in geothermal water for elderly physical function and muscle mass.
- To compare aquatic exercise with land-based exercise and a control group.
- To assess improvements in strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition.
Main Methods:
- 59 healthy elderly subjects were randomized into aquatic (AG), land (LG), and control (CG) groups.
- AG and LG participated in twice-weekly, multimodality exercise for 6 months.
- AG exercised in 36°C geothermal water; LG exercised on land.
Main Results:
- Knee-extension strength was maintained in AG and LG.
- The 8-foot up-and-go test improved significantly more in AG (-19.3%) than LG (-12.6%).
- AG showed significant improvements in back-scratch test (25.8%) and fat mass reduction (4%). Calf muscle density increased by 1.8% in AG.
Conclusions:
- Both aquatic and land-based exercise maintained strength and improved lower-body flexibility in the elderly.
- Aquatic exercise demonstrated superior benefits for dynamic balance improvement.
- Geothermal water exercise, monitored by rating of perceived exertion, is a promising tool for enhancing elderly physical performance and body composition.
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