Effects of a 12-WKS Aquatic Training Program in Body Posture and Balance

Abstract

BackgroundAquatic programs have gained popularity in therapy programs for a number of diseases or physical conditions. However, evidences about the effect of such programs on posture remain scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-wks aquatic program on body posture and balance of sedentary women.Methods128 females were divided in experimental group (EG; N=85; 55.56±12.92-y; 159.21±6.11-cm of height; 65.28±8.76-kg) and control group (CG; N=43; 60.67±13.48-y; 159.19±4.87-cm of height; 63.86±8.64-kg). The program was conducted throughout 12 weeks, two sessions per week with 40 minutes each. Posture measurements were conducted before starting the program and at the end of the 12th week. The static posture, including bodýs centre of mass position (CoM), was assessed based on photogrammetry,2unipodal support (US), functional reaching (FR) and Romberg test (RT) with parallel feet. The dynamic posture was obtained by applying the Time Up & Go test (TUG).3The functional posture was assessed based on the Berg's balance scale (BBS).1Data variation was analyzed with ANOVA two-ways (group vs program duration) measures (P≤0.05).ResultsA significant effect from the program duration was observed in US (p<0.01), FR (p<0.01), RT (p=0.05), TUG (p<0.01) and BBS (p<0.01). The only exception was the CoM where a non-significant effect was determined (p=0.32). A significant effect from the group was observed for the TUG (p<0.01) and for the BBS (p=0.04) having the EG lower and higher values at the post-test than the CG, respectively. A non-significant effect was observed for the remaining assessments. The interaction between program duration vs group presented non-significant values for all the tests conducted.Discussion/ConclusionsSeveral selected variables presented a significant time effect (i.e., a posture and balance enhancement from the beginning to the end of the training program). So a 12-wks aquatic program is enough to provide an improvement in the body posture and balance of sedentary women.

Inter-Limb Symmetry at Simultaneous and Alternated Arms Flexion by the Elbow during Water Fitness Sessions

“…Popularity of water fitness programs has increased remarkably in the last years. It is reported as an effective way to enhance body posture and balance [1], rehab from musculoskeletal injuries [2], and improve the quality of life of special populations [3]. This means that body memory and structures may change by water exposure, giving the participants a more proper movement.…”

Alterações na cinemática angular do movimento básico de Hidroginástica “Balanço Lateral” induzidas pelo incremento do ritmo musical

“…força de impulsão hidrostática) para promover uma reduzida carga mecânica sobre o aparelho locomotor. Tem sido classificada como uma atividade preventiva potenciando a redução da massa corporal em sujeitos obesos (Gappmaier, Lake, Nelson, & Fisher, 2006), a melhoria do equilíbrio em idosas (Matias et al, 2013) e da condição física de atletas (Robinson, Devor, Merrick, & Buckworth, 2004).…”