Aim: In this study, the effects of a short-term follow-up intervention by water-based exercise (WE) on indicators of obesity in frail obese older women were investigated.
Methods: A total of 28 obese older women (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2)) aged between 60 and 75 years voluntarily took part in the study. The WE program consisted of 60-min sessions, three times a week, over 12 weeks. Training was carried out on three different days, with a 1-day rest between sessions. Each training session included a 10-min warm-up period; 45-min endurance training and a 5-min cool-down/relaxation. Anthropometric parameters, aerobic strength and muscle strength were evaluated by functional tests and quality of life.
Results: No alterations in any anthropometric parameters were found after the WE program. However, an improvement in all functional parameters (time to walk 800 m 16±1 vs 10±1 min; chair test before 21±1 vs 35±1 repetitions; and arm flexion 21±2 vs 32±1 repetitions) and self-reported quality of life (physical 68±3 vs 87±2 points; psychological 62±3 vs 82±2 points; social 63±3 vs 82±2 points; and environmental 63±3 vs 77±4 points) was found after WE.
Conclusion: The WE program was not successful in reducing anthropometric parameters in obese older women, but it was useful in improving aerobic capacity, muscle strength and quality of life.
© 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.