Aerobic and combined water-based trainings in older women: Effects on strength and cardiorespiratory outcomes

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the muscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations of two water-based training programs in older women. METHODS: Volunteers were divided between a water-based aerobic training (WBA; N.=13), water-based combined training (WBC; N.=11) or an active control group (CG; N.=9) and those assigned to WBAand WBCexercised twice a week for 12 weeks. All outcomes of interest were assessed prior and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α=0.05). Aerobic training was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold and resistance training during WBCwas performed with sets at maximal effort. RESULTS: Improvements were observed for the maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1RM) and oxygen uptake (VO2) corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold for both WBAand WBC(1RM: 16±12% vs. 15±16%; VO2: 20±24% vs. 23±13%, respectively), whereas VO2 peak improved in all three groups (WBA: 23±21%; WBC: 18±9%; CG: 7±16%). No increase was found for horizontal chest press 1RM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that WBA, WBC and CG are effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, however, only water-based training programs (WBAand WBC) appear capable of improving the maximal strength of the lower limbs.