Comparative Analysis of Physical Fitness in Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments Among Elderly Women

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15468258
AutoresFrano Giakoni-Ramírez (0000-0002-2685-8991, Universidad Andres Bello), Josivaldo de Souza-Lima (0000-0003-4372-0836, Universidad Andres Bello), Catalina Muñoz-Strale (0009-0002-5354-1313, Universidad Andres Bello), Nicolás Hasche-Zunino (Universidad Andres Bello), Constanza Sepúlveda-Barría (Universidad Andres Bello), Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf (0000-0001-8613-6838, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, autor de correspondencia)
Año2024
Volumen22
Número1
Páginas33-33
Fecha de publicación2024-12-30
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22010033
PMID39857486
OpenAlexW4405926319
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas37

(1) Background: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical capacity, which is further exacerbated by conditions such as arthritis and chronic joint pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aquatic and land-based exercise on the functional fitness of older adult women. (2) Methods: Sixty older women (mean age 66.9 ± 3.8 years) participated in this study, divided into two groups: aquatic exercise and land-based exercise. Both groups completed functional fitness tests, including flexibility (Back Scratch and Chair Sit-and-Reach Tests), lower body strength (Chair Stand Test), and dynamic balance (8-Foot Up-and-Go Test). Statistical analyses compared group performance. (3) Results: Improvements in flexibility were observed in the aquatic group, with trends toward significance for the Back Scratch Test (-0.2 ± 1.0 cm vs. -2.0 ± 0.0 cm, p = 0.08) and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (2.87 ± 2.0 cm vs. 0.27 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.07). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in measures of lower body strength (Chair Stand Test: 19.1 ± 4.47 reps vs. 18.97 ± 3.77 reps, p = 0.9) or dynamic balance (8-Foot Up-and-Go Test: 6.28 ± 6.2 s vs. 6.03 ± 5.83 s, p = 0.07). (4) Conclusions: Aquatic exercise showed greater improvements in flexibility, particularly in the upper and lower body, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Both training modalities were equally effective in maintaining lower body strength and dynamic balance in older adult women. These findings support the inclusion of tailored exercise programs in aging populations to address specific functional needs

Balance (ability · Balance test · Biology · Dynamic balance · Flexibility (engineering · Physical fitness · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Statistical significance · Statistics · Test (biology · Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention · Mathematics · Medicine · Nutrition and Health in Aging · Scoliosis diagnosis and treatment · Ecology · Internal Medicine