Exploring the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cardiovascular Function in Older Adults

Exploring the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cardiovascular Function in Older Adults

Cardiovascular ageing is implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aquatic exercise is being considered as a co-adjuvant form of rehabilitation, but there is limited evidence for its cardiovascular risk-reduction properties for older people. Our study aims to address this by exploring the cardiovascular effects of long-term aquatic exercise in older adults in comparison to those who are either inactive or engaged in land-based/mixed training by measurement of micro- and macro-circulation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• being over 55 years of age and normotensive (e.g., <140/90 mm Hg).

Exclusion Criteria:

• any overt chronic disease which would affect microvascular functioning,
• anaemia (irrespective of whether an iron supplementation course is followed or not)
• a recent (3 months' ago) major surgery
• None of the participants were undertaking high intensity interval training of any form.