Affiliations: [a] Human Behavior and Genetic Institute, Associate Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Sang Heon Lee, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Medical Center, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea. Tel.: +82 22861419; Fax: +82 222861419; E-mail: rmlsh@korea.ac.kr.
Abstract: 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.
Keywords: Aquatic exercise, fear of falling, land exercise, older adults
