Effect of the Aquatic Program on Strength and Indicators of Sarcopenia in Elderly

The present study investigated the effect of implementing the Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program on strength and sarcopenia indicators in older people who have already practiced aquatic exercises. Methods: 51 Volunteers were organized into two groups. The experimental Hidrotreinamento® (HTG) followed a new periodized program with controlled load progression, and the Aquatic Exercise Community (AEC) control group maintained the community aquatic program they had previously carried out, a non-periodized program without controlled load progression. Both groups were subjected to the same battery of tests at the baseline and after 16 weeks of the aquatic program. Handgrip, Time Up and Go (TUG), Chair Stand Test (CST), Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), Back Scratch Test (BST), body composition, and the questionnaires SARC-F and IPAQ. ANCOVA was used to compare differences between groups. Results: A significant correlation was found between age and Sarc-F (p > 0.05), age and TUG (p > 0.05), BMI and TUG (p > 0.05), BMI and Handgrip (p > 0.05), Fat mass and all strength variables (p > 0.05) and between IPAQ sitting time and handgrip (p > 0.05). Regarding physical tests, a significant group effect was found for handgrip and the BST (p > 0.05). Relative results for changes within each group HTG and AEC, respectively, after the aquatic program were: handgrip (11.75%; 0.04%); TUG (117.2%; 12.06%); CST (21.6%; 2.96%); BSTR (21.7%; 2.5%); BSTL (12.2%; 13.6); CSRTR (6.6%; 2%); CSRTL (1.9%; 1.2%) Conclusion: The Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program appears to be effective in combating sarcopenia and increasing strength in older adults. Keywords: Muscle strength, older adults, sarcopenia, physical fitness, aging.