AE may improve physical functioning in healthy older people and is at least as effective as LE
BACKGROUND ageing and sedentary behaviour cause negative changes in the neuromuscular systems of healthy older adults result ing in a decrease in physical functioning .
Exercising in water ( aquatic exercise , AE ) has been shown to be effective at improving physical functioning in this population ; however , no systematic review with meta- analysis has been published .
The effects of a water-based exercise program on strength and functionality of older adults.
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of a water-based exercise program on peak torque ( PT ) and rate of torque development ( RTD ) during maximal voluntary ballistic isometric contractions of the lower limb muscles and the performance of a number of functional tests in the elderly . METHOD Thirty-seven elderly were r and omly assigned to water-based training ( 3 d/wk for 12 wk ) or a control group .  Extensor and flexor PT and RTD of the ankle , knee , and hip joints and functional tests were evaluated before and after training . RESULTS PT increased after training for the hip flexors ( 18 % ) and extensors ( 40 % ) and the plantar-flexor ( 42 % ) muscles in the water-based group . RTD increased after training for the hip-extensor ( 10 % ) , knee-extensor ( 11 % ) , and ankle plantar-flexor ( 27 % ) muscles in the water-based group . Functional tests also improved after training in the water-based group ( p < .05 ) . CONCLUSION The water-based program improved PT and RTD and functional performance in the elderly
AE may improve physical functioning in healthy older people and is at least as effective as LE
BACKGROUND ageing and sedentary behaviour cause negative changes in the neuromuscular systems of healthy older adults result ing in a decrease in physical functioning .
Exercising in water ( aquatic exercise , AE ) has been shown to be effective at improving physical functioning in this population ; however , no systematic review with meta- analysis has been published .