Training effects of water aerobics compared to aerobic dance

Abstract

Eleven untrained female Ss were studied to determine if water aerobics would elicit cardiorespiratory and body composition changes similar to those elicited by aerobic dance. The Ss ranged in age from 18 to 22 yr and included 4 from an aerobic dance (AD) class, 4 from a water aerobics (WA) class, and 3 from a bowling class used as a control group. Both the WA and AD groups trained 4 d/wk, 40 min/session for 7 wk. All Ss were given pre- (T1) and post- (T2) volitional max treadmill tests using the Modified Astrand Protocol. Atarget HR based on 75% of the max HR value attained on the initial max test was assigned. Training HR's were monitored and recorded daily. The AD and WA groups worked at an average intensity of 78% and 71% of maximal HR, respectively. An independent t-test indicated that training HR's of the WA group were sig (p < .05) lower than those of the AD group. An ANCOVA with repeated measures showed no sig (p > .05) differences in: body weight, % body fat, Max VO2 (L.min -1 and ml.kg.min.-1), treadmill run time, max VE, and heart rate among groups at the post-test. These findings indicated that no differential changes occurred in the above variables as a result of the 7 wk training period. It was concluded that, in the present study, neither WA nor AD were effective exercise modes for improving cardiovascular fitness or body composition. Exercise in water may elicit a lower HR response than training on land due to physiologic adaptations to exercise in this medium.