The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial.

Evidence shows that physical exercise is important in maintaining an efficient immune system during ageing. However, there are few studies that test the impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immune system. This study aims to analyze the impact of different physical exercise programs in aquatic environment on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly. One hundred and two elderly were randomly allocated into four groups: a continuous aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an interval aerobic exercise group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined exercise group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs over a 28-weeks period. The CG participants maintained their usual routines during the same time period. Blood samples were collected from all participants in order to access hematologic indicators, by means of cell count, and the inflammatory profile by ELISA. After 28 weeks, significant differences were found for several hematologic variables in the AerG, IntG and ComG with increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobulin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobulin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobulin (Hb). Decreases in TNF-α levels were found for all exercising groups. An increase in IL-10 levels, granulocytes to lymphocytes ratio (GLR) and a decrease in the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, were found for the IntG. For the ComG decreases were also found for the TNF-α, IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratios. The present study suggests that aquatic exercise programs were able to improve the inflammatory profile of the participants. Those in the exercise intervention groups showed a shift towards lower pro-inflammatory levels while the non-exercising group showed the opposite behaviour. The IntG and the ComG aquatic exercise programs appeared to be more effective than the AerG program in decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation by mediating the production of higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the differences found between the exercising groups were small and may not have clinical significance.

The Impact of Aquatic Exercise Programs on the Intima-Media thickness of the Carotid Arteries, Hemodynamic Parameters, Lipid Profile and Chemokines of Community-Dwelling Older Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Scientific evidence has shown that physical exercise is an effective way of improving several cardiovascular disease markers. However, few studies have tested its effectiveness when performed in aquatic environments. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of different aquatic exercise programs on the intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (IMT) and hemodynamic and biochemical markers of cardiovascular diseases in community-dwelling older persons. A total of 102 participants were randomly allocated into four groups: an aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an aerobic interval group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); and a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG, and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs for 28 weeks. The CG participants maintained their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for IMT, blood pressure, lipid profile, and MCP-1 and MIP-1α chemokines, pre- and post-intervention. Significant differences were found in the AerG for diastolic diameter (DD), in the IntG for peak systolic velocity (PSV), and in the ComG for DD and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Regarding blood pressure, significant differences were found in AerG for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); in IntG for DBP; and in ComG for SBP, DBP, and heart rate (HR). Significant differences were found in the AerG and IntG for glucose (GLU). Lower plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1α) were found in the AerG and in the ComG for MCP-1 after the intervention. Aquatic physical exercise appears to improve cardiovascular health, regardless of the type of the program adopted. Aerobic programs (combined and continuous aerobic exercises) seemed to have a more beneficial effect in reducing important cardiovascular risk markers.

Comparison of the effect of different modalities of physical exercise on functionality and anthropometric measurements in community-dwelling older women.

The present study aims to assess the effect of different modalities of physical exercises ("Functional Gymnastics"-FG, "Resistance Training"-RT and "Pilates combined with Hydrogymnastics"-PCH) on functional capacity and anthropometric measurements of 148 older women (60 years old or more). A comparative observational study was conducted. Functional and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks. All groups assessed showed significant changes between baseline and post-training. On the comparison of pre and post-training, differences in anthropometric measurements but not in functional test performance were found. The PCH had greater weight loss compared to the FG and RT, reduction in BMI compared to the FG and RT; reduction in waist compared to the FG and RT, and in hip compared to the RT. Although all groups improved, Pilates/Hydrogymnastics combination was more strongly associated with reductions in weight, BMI, waist and hip measurements but not functionality, than other modalities. These results highlight the role of combination physical exercise training in older women.

The effects of different exercise programmes on female body composition.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of 16 weeks of practicing different exercise programmes on body composition. This is an exploratory and descriptive study of 89 women aged 25 to 55 years (41.42 ± 9.23 years). The subjects were randomly divided into three experimental groups (EG): practitioners of strength training (SG), dance (DG), hydrogymnastics (HG), and a control group (CG) with sedentary women. Measurements of body mass and height, circumferences of the chest, waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, and skinfolds of the triceps, suprailiac and thigh were registered in three different moments: prior to the commencement of the training program, again after 8 weeks of training, and finally after 16 weeks of training. Body density was estimated by using the trifold protocol by Jackson, Pollock and Ward. The ANOVA and deltas of change (Δ%) were used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The effects of greater statistical significance on body composition related the variables "time", "group" and the interaction between the two (time × group) were observed for the percentage of fat - F% (F (1.79, 152.52) = 24.59, p <0.001, η (2) = 0.22), fat mass - FM (F (1.75, 149.01) = 12.65, p <0.001, η (2) = 0.13) and lean mass - LM (F (1.77, 150.66) = 47.38, p <0.001, η (2) = 0.36). The HG and SG were more beneficial in reducing F%. It was observed that the EG indicated healthier anthropometric aspects compared to the CG, regardless of the type of exercise programmes practiced. The time factor was more representative over the effects of exercise on anthropometric dimensions.

Efeito de 12 semanas de hidroginástica sobre a glicemia capilar em portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo II / Effect of 12 weeks of water aerobics on capillary glycemia among individuals with type II diabetes mellitus

O crescente aumento da obesidade tem levado cada vez mais pessoas a ter algum tipo de doença crônica não transmissível como o diabetes mellitus tipo II, cujo número de portadores vem aumentando nos últimos anos. Portanto, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a glicemia capilar em jejum após 12 semanas de aulas de hidroginástica em homens e mulheres com diabetes mellitus tipo II. O estudo contou com a participação de 29 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, distribuídos em um grupo masculino (n=10) e outro feminino (n=5) exercitados com hidroginástica, e, dois grupos controles, um masculino (n=5) e outro feminino (n=9). Foram avaliados a massa corporal (MC), o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a glicemia capilar em jejum (GJ) no início do estudo (M0), após seis (M1) e 12 semanas de acompanhamento (M2). As aulas tiveram duração de uma hora, três sessões semanais, durante 12 semanas. Houve redução na MC entre (M0: 78,0±8,6kg e M2: 75,5±8,5 kg; p=0,01) e GJ entre (M0: 199,8±87,5mg/dL; M1: 125,0±38,6 mg/dL e M2: 138,0±40,4mg/dL; p=0,003), ambos para o grupo masculino exercitado. Quanto ao grupo hidroginástica feminino, houve redução significativa apenas para a GJ entre (M0: 213,8±77,1mg/dL e M2: 134,0±38,2mg/dL; p=0,04). Não houve diferença estatística quando comparados os grupos entre si. Em conclusão, a prática regular de hidroginástica favorece o controle da massa corporal assim como da glicemia em jejum de diabéticos tipo II. No entanto, tais efeitos necessitam ser melhor investigados quanto à influência do gênero e à idade dos indivíduos, particularmente em mulheres no climatério.

The growing increase in obesity has led more and more people to some kind of cronic non-transmittable disease such as diabetes mellitus type II, whose number of patients has increased in recent years. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluate the fasting glycaemia after 12 weeks of hydrogymnastics classes in men and women with diabetes mellitus type II. The study counted on the participation of 29 individuals from both sexes, distributed in a male group (n=10) and in a female (n=5) exercised with water aerobics, and two control groups, a male (n=5) and a female (n=9). Body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI) and fasting glycaemia (FG) were assessed at the beginning of the study (M0), after six (M1) and 12 weeks of follow-up (M2). Classes lasted for an hour, three week sessions, for twelve weeks. There was a reduction on BM between (M0: 78.0±8.6 and M2: 75.5±8.5kg; p=0.01) and FG between (M0: 199.8±87.5; M1: 125.0±38.6 mg/dL and M2: 138.0±40.4 mg/dL; p=0.03), both for the male group exercised. About the female hydrogymnastics group, there was significative reduction only for the FG between (M0: 213.8±77.1mg/dL and M2: 134.0±38.2mg/dL; p=0.04). There was no statistical difference when the groups were compared among themselves. In conclusion, the regular practice of hydrogymnastics favors the body mass control just like the fasting glycaemia in diabetes type II porters, however, such effects need an in depth investigation, about the influence of gender and age of the individuals, particularly in women on climacteric.

Capacidade pulmonar em idosos praticantes de hidroginástica / Lung capacity inelderly practitioners of hydrogymnastics

Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade pulmonar de um grupo de idosospraticantes de hidroginástica. Materiais e Métodos: estudo do tipolevantamento, desenvolvido com 132 indivíduos pertencentes a umgrupo da terceira idade praticante de hidroginástica na UniversidadeFederal de Santa Maria, de maio a junho de 2008. Foram utilizados,para a avaliação respiratória, uma ficha com dados gerais, espirometriae manovacuometria, sendo os dados analisados descritivamente,e após, para análise estatística, foi realizado o Teste Exato deFischer (p< 0,05). Resultados: Na avaliação espirométrica, 46,97%dos idosos apresentaram-se dentro dos parâmetros da normalidade.Já, em relação à força muscular respiratória, a maioria dosvalores encontrados de Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (92,42%) e dePressão Expiratória Máxima (59,09%) estava abaixo dos valores previstos.Porém, salienta-se que, o grupo com mais tempo de práticade hidroginástica obteve 66,67% de Pressões Expiratórias Máximasdentro dos valores previstos. No grupo de idosos que não declarouter patologias respiratórias 46,30% apresentou alteração no exameespirométrico. Conclusão: os resultados encontrados apontam paraum perfil respiratório característico do processo de envelhecimento,com perdas em capacidade pulmonar e força de músculos respiratórios,porém minimizadas pela prática de atividade física regular.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the lung capacity of an elderly practitionergroup of hydrogymnastics. Materials and Methods: survey study,developed with 132 individuals belonging to an elderly practitionergroup of hydrogymnastics at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,from May to June of 2008. It was used for the respiratory evaluationa sheet for general data, spirometry and manovacuometry, being thedata analyzed descriptively, and later, for statistical analysis, it wasused Fischer’s Exact Test (p <0.05). Results: In the spirometric evaluation,46.97% of the elderly showed normal parameters. However,in relation to the respiratory muscle strength, most of the found valuesof maximum inspiratory pressure (92.42%) and maximum expiratorypressure (59.09%) were below the predicted levels. However,the group with longer practice of hydrogymnastics obtained 66.67%of maximum expiratory pressure in these predicted values. In theelderly group that declared not to have any respiratory diseases,46.30% showed alteration in the spirometry exam. Conclusion: thefinding results indicate a typical respiratory profile characterized by the aging process, with losses in lung capacity and strength of respiratorymuscles, but minimized by the practice of regular physicalactivity.(AU)

Capacidade pulmonar em idosos praticantes de hidroginástica / Lung capacity inelderly practitioners of hydrogymnastics

Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade pulmonar de um grupo de idosospraticantes de hidroginástica. Materiais e Métodos: estudo do tipolevantamento, desenvolvido com 132 indivíduos pertencentes a umgrupo da terceira idade praticante de hidroginástica na UniversidadeFederal de Santa Maria, de maio a junho de 2008. Foram utilizados,para a avaliação respiratória, uma ficha com dados gerais, espirometriae manovacuometria, sendo os dados analisados descritivamente,e após, para análise estatística, foi realizado o Teste Exato deFischer (p< 0,05). Resultados: Na avaliação espirométrica, 46,97%dos idosos apresentaram-se dentro dos parâmetros da normalidade.Já, em relação à força muscular respiratória, a maioria dosvalores encontrados de Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (92,42%) e dePressão Expiratória Máxima (59,09%) estava abaixo dos valores previstos.Porém, salienta-se que, o grupo com mais tempo de práticade hidroginástica obteve 66,67% de Pressões Expiratórias Máximasdentro dos valores previstos. No grupo de idosos que não declarouter patologias respiratórias 46,30% apresentou alteração no exameespirométrico. Conclusão: os resultados encontrados apontam paraum perfil respiratório característico do processo de envelhecimento,com perdas em capacidade pulmonar e força de músculos respiratórios,porém minimizadas pela prática de atividade física regular.

Objective: to evaluate the lung capacity of an elderly practitionergroup of hydrogymnastics. Materials and Methods: survey study,developed with 132 individuals belonging to an elderly practitionergroup of hydrogymnastics at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,from May to June of 2008. It was used for the respiratory evaluationa sheet for general data, spirometry and manovacuometry, being thedata analyzed descriptively, and later, for statistical analysis, it wasused Fischer’s Exact Test (p <0.05). Results: In the spirometric evaluation,46.97% of the elderly showed normal parameters. However,in relation to the respiratory muscle strength, most of the found valuesof maximum inspiratory pressure (92.42%) and maximum expiratorypressure (59.09%) were below the predicted levels. However,the group with longer practice of hydrogymnastics obtained 66.67%of maximum expiratory pressure in these predicted values. In theelderly group that declared not to have any respiratory diseases,46.30% showed alteration in the spirometry exam. Conclusion: thefinding results indicate a typical respiratory profile characterized by the aging process, with losses in lung capacity and strength of respiratorymuscles, but minimized by the practice of regular physicalactivity.

Relação entre capacidades motoras de idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e alongamento / Relationship between motor performance in elderly practiced hydrogymnastics and stretching

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se há relação entre capacidadesmotoras de idosas submetidas a um programa físico compostopor dois tipos de atividade física (hidroginástica e alongamento). Aamostra foi composta por 23 indivíduos saudáveis e ativos do sexofeminino, com idades entre 60 e 80 anos. Os sujeitos foram divididosem dois grupos etários (GR1 = 60 a 69 anos, GR2 = 70 a80). Os instrumentos foram testes físicos da bateria ‘Senior FitnessTest’ de Rikli e Jones (2008). As capacidades motoras avaliadasforam: flexibilidade de membros inferiores (FLEXMI); força de membrosinferiores (FMI); flexibilidade de membros superiores (FLEXMS);força de membros superiores (FMS); agilidade/equilíbrio (AE); e resistênciaaeróbica (RESAER). O tratamento estatístico foi realizadoatravés da correlação de Pearson do programa SPSS 18.0. Foramencontradas, no GR1, correlações entre: FMI e FLEXMI, FMI e AE,FMI e RESAER, FLEXMI e RESAER, AE e RESAER. No GR2, a únicacorrelação encontrada foi entre AE e RESAER. Os componentes daaptidão física, nos idosos mais jovens, apresentaram, neste estudo,maior número de correlações, indicando que incrementos em umacapacidade motora podem gerar melhoras noutra. Estudos comdiferentes atividades físicas são necessários para confirmar essasrelações.(AU)

The aim of the study was to verify if there is association between themotor capacities of older women undergoing a physical programcomposed of two types of activities (hydrogymnastics and stretching).The sample consisted of 23 healthy and active female, agedbetween 60 and 80 years. The subjects were divided into two agegroups (GR1 = 60 to 69 years, GR2 = 70 to 80). The instrument wasthe ‘Senior Fitness Test’ of Rikli and Jones (2008). Motor capacitiesevaluated were: lower limbs flexibility (FLEXMI), lower limbs strength(FMI), upper limbs flexibility (FLEXMS), upper limbs strength (FMS), agility / balance (AE) and aerobic resistance (RESAER). Statisticalanalysis was performed using the Pearson’s Correlation of SPSS18.0. In GR1, the correlations were found between: FMI e FLEXMI,FMI e AE, FMI e RESAER, FLEXMI e RESAER, AE e RESAER. InGR2, the only correlation was found between AE and RESAER. Thecomponents of physical aptitude, in younger elderly, presented, inthis study, a higher number of correlations, indicating that increasesin a component can lead to improvements in another. Studies withdifferent types of activities are needed to confirm these relationships.(AU)

Relação entre capacidades motoras de idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e alongamento / Relationship between motor performance in elderly practiced hydrogymnastics and stretching

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se há relação entre capacidadesmotoras de idosas submetidas a um programa físico compostopor dois tipos de atividade física (hidroginástica e alongamento). Aamostra foi composta por 23 indivíduos saudáveis e ativos do sexofeminino, com idades entre 60 e 80 anos. Os sujeitos foram divididosem dois grupos etários (GR1 = 60 a 69 anos, GR2 = 70 a80). Os instrumentos foram testes físicos da bateria ‘Senior FitnessTest’ de Rikli e Jones (2008). As capacidades motoras avaliadasforam: flexibilidade de membros inferiores (FLEXMI); força de membrosinferiores (FMI); flexibilidade de membros superiores (FLEXMS);força de membros superiores (FMS); agilidade/equilíbrio (AE); e resistênciaaeróbica (RESAER). O tratamento estatístico foi realizadoatravés da correlação de Pearson do programa SPSS 18.0. Foramencontradas, no GR1, correlações entre: FMI e FLEXMI, FMI e AE,FMI e RESAER, FLEXMI e RESAER, AE e RESAER. No GR2, a únicacorrelação encontrada foi entre AE e RESAER. Os componentes daaptidão física, nos idosos mais jovens, apresentaram, neste estudo,maior número de correlações, indicando que incrementos em umacapacidade motora podem gerar melhoras noutra. Estudos comdiferentes atividades físicas são necessários para confirmar essasrelações.

The aim of the study was to verify if there is association between themotor capacities of older women undergoing a physical programcomposed of two types of activities (hydrogymnastics and stretching).The sample consisted of 23 healthy and active female, agedbetween 60 and 80 years. The subjects were divided into two agegroups (GR1 = 60 to 69 years, GR2 = 70 to 80). The instrument wasthe ‘Senior Fitness Test’ of Rikli and Jones (2008). Motor capacitiesevaluated were: lower limbs flexibility (FLEXMI), lower limbs strength(FMI), upper limbs flexibility (FLEXMS), upper limbs strength (FMS), agility / balance (AE) and aerobic resistance (RESAER). Statisticalanalysis was performed using the Pearson’s Correlation of SPSS18.0. In GR1, the correlations were found between: FMI e FLEXMI,FMI e AE, FMI e RESAER, FLEXMI e RESAER, AE e RESAER. InGR2, the only correlation was found between AE and RESAER. Thecomponents of physical aptitude, in younger elderly, presented, inthis study, a higher number of correlations, indicating that increasesin a component can lead to improvements in another. Studies withdifferent types of activities are needed to confirm these relationships.