Effects of aerobic training aquatic environment on functional and cardiometabolic outcomes in middle-aged adults

Abstract

Bachground: Aquatic training can improve the health of adults and seniors. However, it still lacks elucidation about the controlled and periodized prescription.

Goal: To verify the effect of 12 weeks of structured and monitored aerobic interval training on functional and cardiovascular outcomes in middle-aged adults.

Methods: A pilot study, with 12 weeks of intervention, 3 weekly sessions of 50 minutes duration. Participants of both sexes, between 30 and 80 years old, were recruited. Was collected the 30-s arm curl test, 30-s chair stand test, 8-foot Up and Go test (8UG) and 6-minute walk (6MWT), blood pressure (BP), heart rate rest (HRR) and quality of life (WHOQOL-8). Training was prescribed with 4 mesocycles of 3 weeks each, with linear progression in volume (duration), density (relation stimulus: recuperation) and intensity (rating perceived effort).

Results: Participated od this study thirteen middle-aged adults (58.54±4.67 years old) with 56.50 ± 17.29% adherence to training. After 12 weeks, was found improvement in the 30-s arm curl test (∆%: 19.13), 8UG (∆%: 6.9), diastolic BP (∆%: 11.5) and HRR (∆%: 12.2).

Conclusion: The practice of 12 weeks of aerobic interval training were able to improve upper limb strength, functional cardiorespiratory fitness and generate cardiovascular changes in middle-aged adults.