Effects of two programmes of combined Land-Based and Water-Based exercise on the cognitive function and fitness levels of healthy older adults

Abstract Very little is known about the influence training programmes that combine land-based and water-based exercises might have on the cognitive function of healthy older people. Aim to analyze the combined effect of two physical exercise programs (water-based and land-based) on fitness level and cognitive function. Method 15 senior citizens carried out a water and land-based exercise program (EF group), while 22 senior citizens followed the same program with the addition of cognitive training performed in water (EC group). The effects of both programs were assessed by means of the Symbol Digit Modalities, the Two-minute step and the Timed-up-and-go tests. Results The data obtained showed that both programs had significant effects on the participants' fitness level and cognitive function, although only those in the EC group showed a significantly higher improvement. Conclusion The combination of water-based and land-based exercise may lead to improvements in cognitive functions and fitness levels in healthy older adults. The inclusion of cognitive exercises performed in water seems to maximise these effects.(AU)

Características antropométricas, composición corporal y somatotipo en jugadores de élite de waterpolo / Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of elite players in water polo / Características antropométricas, composição corporal e somatótipo em jogadores de elite de pólo aquático

Este estudio describe la estructura antropométrica de los mejores jugadores de waterpolo españoles en las categorías júnior y sénior; y en segundo lugar, pretende determinar si existen diferencias antropométricas, en la composición corporal y en el somatotipo entre ambas categorías. La muestra empleada en este estudio fueron 23 jugadores de la selección española de waterpolo, de ellos, 9 jugadores de categoría júnior y 14 sénior. Las diferencias estadísticas más significantes, entre ambas categorías, son en aquellas variables que guardan relación indirecta con los niveles de fuerza y con la experiencia. Los jugadores de la categoría júnior presentan un somatotipo mesomórfico equilibrado, mientras que los jugadores de la categoría sénior presentan un somatotipo endo-mesomórfico.

The aim of this study is two fold, first to describe the anthropometric structure of the best Spanish water polo players that are playing in the junior and senior categories; and secondly, to determine the anthropometrics, body composition and somatotype significant differences between both categories. The sample was composed for 24 male players. Nine of them were components of the junior Spanish national team and the other 14 were players in senior Spanish national team. The anthropometrics factors that have no relation with training, are similar for both categories and we found significant differences between categories in those variables that keep indirect relation with the levels of force, and with the experience. The junior players have a balanced mesomorph somatotype, while the senior players exhibit an endomorphic mesomorph somatotype.

Este estudo descreve a estrutura antropométrica dos melhores jogadores de polo aquático espanhois nas categorias júnior e sénior; em segundo lugar, pretende determinar se existem diferenças antropométricas, na composição corporal e no somatótipo entre ambas as categorias. A amostra utilizada no estudo foram 23 jogadores da selecção espanhola de pólo aquático, de entre os quais 9 jogadores de categoria júnior e 14 seniores. As diferenças mais evidentes entre ambas as categorias foram encontradas nas variáveis que têm uma relação indirecta com os níveis de força, e com a experiência. Os jogadores da categoria júnior apresentam um somatótipo mesomórfico equilibrado, enquanto os jogadores da categoria sénior apresentaram um somatótipo endo-mesomórfico.