Aquatic Exercise for Weight Reduction in Middle‐Aged Adults: A Pilot Study. Issue 2 (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrigan, Kirsten; Hice, Jessica; Leemkuil, Kailey; Singer, Sarah; Charles, Derek; Michaels, Natalie N.; Jones, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Journal of aquatic physical therapy. Volume 25:Issue 2(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Aquatic -- Body composition -- Exercise -- Middleaged adults -- Obesity -- Overweight -- Water -- Weight loss; Hydrotherapy -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.853
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2377-6102

Abstract

Abstract : Background. : According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than one third of middle‐aged adults in the United States are obese. This has led to a public health challenge as weight‐gain can lead to an increased chance of heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and even some types of cancer. This study focused on the effects of aquatic exercise for weight‐loss in middle‐aged adults. Objective/Purpose. : The purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy of an aquatic exercise program that was geared toward weight reduction. Design. : Twelve individuals between the ages of 47 and 70 years of age, who reported that they would like to lose weight, participated in this study. Classes were held twice per week for six weeks. Each session was sixty minutes long, consisting of a warm‐up, cool‐down, and four additional segments of mobility‐related aquatic exercises. Weight in pounds, body mass index (BMI), and percent body composition using a hand held bioelectrical impedance analyzer were measured before and after the 6‐week exercise program, and parametric statistics were utilized. Results. : A statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level was found using paired t‐testing between the pre and postweight of the participants (p = 0.029), with an average weight loss of 3.4 pounds. There was also a statistically significant difference found at the 0.05 level (p = 0.029) between pre and postpercent body fat, with an average decrease of 0.7%. Discussion and Conclusion. : The literature suggests that aerobic exercise is a viable option for weight loss in adults. The data from this study supports the idea that an aquatic aerobic program of exercise can also have a positive impact on body composition in middle‐aged adults.