Force Production and Coordination from Older Women in Water Fitness Exercises

• Main Authors: Catarina C. Santos, Daniel A. Marinho, Luís B. Faíl, Henrique P. Neiva, Mário J. Costa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Healthcare
• Subjects: propulsive force; asymmetries; motor control; older women; cadence; aquatic exercise
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/9/8/1054

The aim of this study was to compare bilateral propulsive forces and coordination while exercising at static and dynamic conditions in the water. A total of 27 older women (age: 65.1 ± 6.7 years old) performed the following exercises: (i) horizontal upper-limbs adduction (HA; static condition) and (ii) rocking horse (RH; dynamic condition) through an incremental protocol with music cadences from 105 up to 150 b·min⁻¹. The duration of each trial was set at 30 second (sec). Propulsive peak force (in Newton, N) of dominant (PF_D) and nondominant (PF_ND) upper limbs was retrieved using hand sensors coupled to a differential pressure system. Significant differences in force production were found between static and dynamic exercises at higher cadences (120, 135, and 150 b·min⁻¹). The static condition elicited higher bilateral propulsive forces and a more symmetric pattern. The in-water static exercise with bilateral action from the upper limbs proved to be the most appropriate strategy for older women to work strength and to reduce asymmetries.