The Benefits of Aquatic Exercise

What are the benefits of Aquatic Exercise?

Increased Circulation and Blood Flow 

Water immersion enhances blood flow throughout the body.  The increased circulation to the brain has been noted to amplify relaxation and positive emotional states while improving attention, memory and  cognition.  Additionally, a reduction in depression and anxiety have been recorded.  The amplified blood flow to the heart increases cardiac output while the immersive properties reduce the stress on the heart yielding an ideal environment for those with cardiovascular disease to exercise.  Blood flow to muscles increases by 225% creating an environment for greater oxygenation of tissues and healing potential.  

Hydrostatic Pressure

Water exerts hydrostatic pressure evenly on immersed bodies.  This pressure can even tactile input, reduce edema, and decrease pain perception.  Moreover, hydrostatic pressure aids venous return, adding to the increased cardiovascular efficiency.  It also enables a training effect on the inspiratory muscles to promote respiratory health.  

Buoyancy

The supportive, upward force of buoyancy can enhance movement ability, reduce need for external supportive devices, and promote pain-free exercise.  Buoyancy can off-load immersed joints to a weightless, terrestrial state.  Joint compression has been noted to reduce upwards of 60% with chest-depth immersion allowing those with compromised joints, joint pain, or injury to exercise without causing further damage or experiencing pain.  Further, buoyancy can be used to assist, resist or support movement allowing individuals to use this aquatic principal to meet their exercise or therapy needs.  

Viscosity 

The resistance that is met when moving through the water is due to the water's viscosity.  Movement in water is resisted in every direction and this results in an opportunity to enhance muscle balance, endurance and strength.  The viscosity, in addition to buoyancy, provides support.  This support can augment exercise abilities building self-efficacy and willingness to explore challenging clinical movements such as balance and gait training.  

Who can benefit from Aquatic Exercise?

The water has a broad spectrum of potential benefits for a myriad of populations.  

Cardiovascular Patients 

The water may be the most ideal place for individuals to begin exercise if they have compromised cardiovascular health.  Water immersion results in a more efficient cardiovascular system, greater circulation, and higher levels of comfort with exercise.  

Respiratory Patients

The profound impact of water immersion on the pulmonary system can result in very effective training for respiratory patients.  While immersion should be introduced in a stepwise progression, merely standing in chest depth water can have positive implications on patients with respiratory disorders.

Patients with Arthritis or Chronic Pain

Improvements in joint mobility, pain, edema and other symptoms have been widely reported with water exercise.  Additionally, those with arthritis and chronic pain are able to tolerate chronic exercise programming and improve overall function.

Obese Patients

The offloading effect of buoyancy and the temperature regulating properties create a more comfortable environment for exercise for overweight and obese individuals.  Buoyancy minimizes the risk for joint injury while being afforded the ability to work at vigorous intensities to positively impact their overall health.  

Patients with Musculoskeletal Injuries 

With an immense increase in muscle blood flow, the ability to offload the body, and the resistance of the water, the aquatic environment is ideal for continued exercise and healing.  Patients can utilize deep water exercise to move freely without experiencing any weight bearing.  

Athletes

Athletes, injured or uninjured, can benefit from training in water.  From the bolstered respiratory training, muscle balance, and reduced weight bearing stress, the water can provide a means of recovery and cross-training.