Effects of regular water- and land-based exercise on physical function after 5 years: A long-term study on the well-being of older Japanese adults

The Effectiveness of Water- versus Land-Based Exercise on Specific Measures of Physical Fitness in Healthy Older Adults: An Integrative Review

As the population ages, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly vital to promote overall health and well-being in older individuals. Water- and land-based exercises have emerged as popular options, each offering a distinct set of benefits tailored to the unique needs of this population group. An electronic database search, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, was conducted until 15 September 2023, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to investigate the effects of water-based compared to land-based exercise on selected fitness parameters in older healthy individuals. The eligibility criteria included studies with at least two groups of participants aged 60 and older, with physical fitness outcome measures. A total of ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. While both exercise modalities may offer significant benefits, this review's findings emphasized the absence of conclusive evidence and consensus for recommending a single exercise category applicable to aquatic or land environments and providing more definite guidance to improve health-related physical fitness parameters in healthy older individuals. Finally, combining both training approaches may lead to a comprehensive array of health benefits for this age group population by also considering individual's needs, preferences, and fitness goals.

Comparing durability of water- and land-based exercise benefits among older adults in South Korea: A randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Aquatic exercise can improve strength, flexibility, and aerobic function while safely providing partial weight-bearing support through viscosity and buoyancy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of water-based exercise with land-based exercise before and after a 10-week exercise intervention and again at one-year follow-up.

METHODS

Eighty participants aged 65 years and older were randomly assigned to either a water- or a land-based 10-week exercise program. Assessment included the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Hip and knee strength was also measured. All assessments were completed at three time points: pre- (T1), post- (T2), and at 1-year follow-up (T3).

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between the two groups on three parameters: the SFT timed up-and-go test; lower hip muscle strength in extension, adduction, and external rotation; and quality of life (QoL) measured by the SF-36 (p< 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the SFT chair stand test, dominant arm curl test, two-minute step test, chair sit-and-reach test, back scratch test, and Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale.

CONCLUSION

Aquatic exercise provided greater improvement of physical health and QoL among older people than land-based exercise.