Participants performed water aerobics at moderate intensities. Water aerobics classes lasted approximately 45 minutes and were held twice a week for 12 weeks

Participants performed water aerobics at high intensities. Water aerobics classes lasted approximately 45 minutes and were held twice a week for 12 weeks

Water aerobics sessions involved exercises performed at a moderate intensity, between 60% and 70% of the participant's maximum heart rate predicted by their age.

The explosive strength of the lower limbs was evaluated using the countermovement jump.Three jumps with countermovement were performed, with participants instructed to jump as high as possible, with one minute of rest between repetitions. A higher jump height corresponds to a better score. In this test, the mean value was considered.

The explosive strength of the upper limbs was evaluated using medicine ball throw. Each participant was encouraged to throw a 3-kilogram medicine ball, as far as possible. The best scores are achieved by throwing the ball as far as possible. In this test, the mean value was considered.

The endurance strength of the lower limbs was assessed using the chair stand test. The chair stand test entailed the participant sitting in the center of the chair with a straight back and feet shoulder-width apart and in full contact with the floor. The upper limbs were crossed at the wrist level and positioned against the chest. Upon receiving the starting signal, the participant rose to maximum extension and returned to the initial sitting position, striving to complete the maximum number of repetitions within a 30-second time frame.

The endurance strength of the upper limbs was assessed using the arm curl test. In this test, the participant was seated in a chair with the back straight and fully leaning against the chair, with their feet flat on the floor. A 2 kg dumbbell was held in their dominant hand, and the test commenced with the forearm in a lower position, near the chair, perpendicular to the floor. Upon receiving the start signal, the participant performed a complete flexion of the forearm and then returned to the initial position of forearm extension. The evaluator encouraged the participant to perform as many repetitions as possible within a time limit of 30 seconds, counting each correct flexion performed.

The WHOQOL-BREF (Portuguese version) questionnaire with 26 items was used to assess the participants' quality of life. Of the 26 items, 2 are related to the general quality of life and general health, and the remaining 24 items assess the perception of quality of life in 4 domains: physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment. The higher the final score, the higher the participant's quality of life in each domain.