Beneficial effects of aquatic exercise were found on physical function .
Water-based exercises are recommended for people with osteoarthritis ( OA ) , due to the beneficial effects on physical function , quality of life and symptom reduction .
However , the effects on muscle strength are still controversial .
The aim of this review was to assess and compare the effects of aquatic exercise programs on muscle strength and physical function in people with OA .
Muscle function in aged women in response to a water-based exercises program and progressive resistance training.
AIM The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a water-based exercise program on muscle function compared with regular high-intensity resistance training . METHODS Older women ( n = 87 ) were recruited from the local community . The inclusion criteria were , to be aged 60 years or older , able to walk and able to carry out daily living activities independently . Participants were r and omly assigned to one of the following groups : water-based exercises ( WBG ) , resistance training ( RTG ) or control ( CG ) . The experimental groups carried out 12 weeks of an excise program performed on water or on l and . The dynamic strength , the isometric peak , and rate of torque development for the lower limbs were assessed before and after interventions . RESULTS The water-based program provided a similar improvement in dynamic strength in comparison with resistance training . The isometric peak torque increased around the hip and ankle joints in the water-based group , and around the knee joint in the resistance-training group ( P < 0.05 ) . The rate of torque development increased only in the water-based group around the hip extensors muscles ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Water-based programs constitute an attractive alternative to promote relevant strength gains using moderate loads and fast speed movements , which were also effective to improve the capacity to generate fast torques
Beneficial effects of aquatic exercise were found on physical function .
Water-based exercises are recommended for people with osteoarthritis ( OA ) , due to the beneficial effects on physical function , quality of life and symptom reduction .
However , the effects on muscle strength are still controversial .
The aim of this review was to assess and compare the effects of aquatic exercise programs on muscle strength and physical function in people with OA .