The Effect of WATERinMOTION (WiM) Aquatic Exercise on Weight Loss and Metabolic Profiles in Sedentary Obese Elderly Men

Abstract

Background: The effect of water exercise on weight-loss parameters is still controversial. We aimed to explore the effect of WATERinMOTION (WiM) aquatic exercise on weight loss and metabolic profiles in sedentary obese elderly men. Methods: Sixty-one sedentary older men, who came to the Ukrainian Sports Medicine Center for a weight-loss consultation, voluntarily took part in this cross-sectional study (Kyiv, summer 2019). The participants were selected using convenient sampling and allocated randomly to two groups: WiM (n=31) or a control group (n=30). Meanwhile, the WiM group performed the WiM exercise plan with two weekly sessions of 55 minutes each. The control subjects did not participate in any physical exercise. They were asked to perform their routine activities during the study. This study lasted for one month. Anthropometric indices (height, weight, and waist circumference) and metabolic profile assessment (glycemia and lipid profiles) were obtained at baseline and after the study. Results: No significant differences were found in any of the analyzed parameters. Pre- and post-study comparison showed a significant reduction in weight (-1.8, P = 0.003) and mean BMI (-0.7, P = 0.004) in the WiM group. Furthermore, a significant difference was found only in weight after the study (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The WiM plan, without dietetic intervention, had a positive influence on weight, waist circumference, and metabolic profiles in sedentary obese elderly men.