Effects of a deep-water running program on muscle function and functionality in elderly women community dwelling

Abstract

-Aims:The aim of the study was to determine the effects of deep-water running on muscle function and functionality in community-dwelling old women. Methods: Older women (n=19) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: deep-water running (DWR: n=09, 64.33±4.24 years, 75.15±12.53 kg, 160.45±7.52 cm; or control group CG: n=10, 64.40±4.22 years, 74.46±12.39 kg, 158.88±5.48 cm). The DWR group carried out 18 weeks of deep-water running, twice/week 50 min sessions. Dynamic isokinetic strength for the lower limb and functionality was assessed before and after intervention. Results: DWR group increased peak torque, total work and average power of the knee and hip flexors and extensors. Additionally showed better performance on gait speed, timed up and go test, five-timessit-to-stand-test repetitions from a chair as well as the six-minute walk test. Conclusion: The deep-water running program was effective to improve muscle function and functionality.

Effectiveness of Deep Water Running on Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Function and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

“…Of the eleven included studies, seven studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT)s [ 10 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], two were longitudinal studies [ 19 , 21 ], and two were quasi-experiment studies [ 25 , 27 ].…”

“…Four studies investigated physically active or trained adults [ 20 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], three studies investigated physically inactive or obese women [ 10 , 19 , 21 ], two studies investigated healthy or community-dwelling elderly [ 10 , 24 ], and one study investigated populations with lower-back pain [ 20 ]. Study participant numbers varied from 10 to 60, with a total of 287 participants in the review ( Table 2 ).…”

“…As for the comparison group, five studies included a control group that did not participate in any exercise [ 10 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], and six studies included a land-based exercise group [ 19 , 20 , 22 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Among them, two studies matched land-based exercise time to DWR, having an identical total of 45 sessions over a three-week period [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Among them, two studies matched land-based exercise time to DWR, having an identical total of 45 sessions over a three-week period [ 22 , 23 ]. The rest of the studies varied in exercise intensity and number of sessions [ 10 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…The duration of DWR interventions varied from 30 to 70 min, 2 to 5 sessions per week, lasting between 3 to 18 weeks, with a compliance rate range from 80% to 100% ( Table 3 ). Of the 11 studies, 10 studies had participants performing DWR with the assistance of flotation devices [ 10 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Only in the study of McKenzie and Mcluckie (1991), participants were asked to not touch the bottom of the swimming pool without wearing flotation devices during DWR [ 26 ].…”