Aquatic exercises for women: Physiological intensity prescription and health-related benefits

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise has a fundamental role in promoting health, and the characteristics of the aquatic environment favor its practice for achieving health-related benefits across all age groups. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand the physiological alterations induced by immersion and their implications for regulating exercise intensity.

Goals: This article provides a perspective on the possibilities of intensity monitoring in water aerobics, considering the physiological shifts resulting from immersion. Additionally, a practical framework is proposed for aquatic instructors to tailor exercise intensity, thereby optimizing health outcomes among adult and older women.

Results: Evidence supporting intensity control through heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion is presented, contextualizing the health benefits derived from water-based exercise programs prescribed by these parameters for women.

Conclusions: Based on such aspects, the authors recommend using heart rate and/or rating of perceived exertion as parameters for intensity monitoring during water aerobics since both allow the training load to be individualized and easy to implement in groups of adults and older women.