Impact of a Novel Aquatic-Based Strength Program on Body Composition, Strength, and Quality of Life in Older Women: a 16-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

  1. Juesas Torres, Álvaro 3
  2. Babiloni López, Carlos 2
  3. Gené Morales, Javier 1
  4. Jiménez Martínez, Pablo 1
  5. Ramírez Campillo, Rodrigo
  6. Colado Sánchez, Juan Carlos 1
  1. 1 Universitat de València
    info
    Universitat de València

    Valencia, España

    ROR https://ror.org/043nxc105

    Geographic location of the organization Universitat de València
  2. 2 Universitat Jaume I
    info
    Universitat Jaume I

    Castelló de la Plana, España

    ROR https://ror.org/02ws1xc11

    Geographic location of the organization Universitat Jaume I
  3. 3 Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU (Dpto. Ciencias de la Educación)
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Journal:
Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise

ISSN: 2096-6709,  2662-1371

Year of publication: 2025

Type: Article

DOI: 10.1007/S42978-025-00330-2 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor HANDLE: https://hdl.handle.net/10234/748857

More publications in: Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of water- versus land-based resistance training on body composition (fat and muscle mass), strength (isometric and isokinetic), and health-related quality of life in older women. Methods: Ninety-three apparently healthy volunteers (age: 68.91 ± 5.05 years) participated in this prospective randomized controlled trial and were divided into three groups with a block-design randomization sequence: (i) water-based training (WG) using drag devices at a fast-paced execution, (ii) land-based training (LG) using tornado devices at a moderate-paced execution, and (iii) control group (CG) with no training. The training program lasted 16 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each including three upper-limb and three lower-limb exercises. Both groups progressively increased intensity (rating of perceived exertion) and volume (sets) throughout the program. Each set lasted 40 s, with LG performing 10 repetitions (2 s concentric, 2 s eccentric) and WG performing as many repetitions as possible. Results Significant group × time effects were found for body fat (P = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.13), upper-limb muscle mass (P = 0.027,ηp2 = 0.12), all isometric strength tests (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45–0.57), and isokinetic knee extension at 60º/s and 180º/s (P = 0.001–0.013, ηp2 = 0.15–0.26). No significant differences were found between LG and WG in most variables (P > 0.05). The WG significantly improved isometric vertical row (d = 1.47), isokinetic knee extension (d = 0.41–1.11), physical function (d = 0.44), and body pain (d = 0.50), while the LG did not. Conversely, only the LG significantly reduced body fat (d = 0.24). Conclusion: Although both training programs show similar results, power training in water significantly improves strength parameters and health-related quality of life, while moderate-paced resistance training on land effectively reduces body fat.

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