The impact of Aqua Pilayoga program on functional fitness in elderly women

Abstract

Background: The literature highlights the benefits of physical activity using water resistance during movement in the aquatic environment, and the combination of pilayoga with the activity in the aquatic environment offers an interesting alternative to modern training and inspires research in this field. Nowadays, aquatic fitness is one of the most widely recognized fitness programs among health specialists, sports professionals, and practitioners. Aims: The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of three months of participation in an aqua pilayoga program on the functional fitness of women over 60 years of age. Method: The study group followed a supervised training routine 2 times per week for 3 months. The variables assessed at baseline and after 3 months included body composition (BIA), anthropometric indices i.e. body mass index, and results of the Fullerton Fitness Senior Test (FFST) which evaluated functional fitness. Fitness parameters measured in the study were strength and muscular endurance, mobility, dexterity, speed, body balance, motor coordination, reaction time, and flexibility. Results: After 3 months of the experiment, the greatest changes were found in endurance, agility, and strength of the upper and lower limbs. Positive adaptations were also observed in increased leg strength and flexibility of the lower and upper body. After 3 months, body mass index and fat mass decreased significantly (p<0.05), whereas basal metabolic rate, fat-free mass, and total body water increased significantly (p<0.001) Conclusions: Our findings indicated that aqua pilayoga programs can improve health parameters better and faster than in other sports. This is probably related to the specificity of the aquatic environment (buoyancy, density, resistance force, or waves) and physical exercise in water.