The efficacy of aquatic exercise in increasing strength

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of aquatic exercise in increasing strength. Eighteen volunteers participated. The aquatic exercise group consisted of three males and eight females (n= 11; mean age 27.2 (±4.8) years). The control group consisted of one male and six females (n= 7; mean age 31.1 (±5.9) years). The concentric peak torque for both groups was tested on an isokinetic dynamometer prior to and following the eight week aquatic exercise program. Peak torque (N · m) was determined for right knee (flexion and extension), elbow (flexion and extension), and shoulder (abduction and adduction) for all subjects at 90, 120, and 180 degrees ‐s−1. Strength improvement occurred only in the aquatic exercise group. Further research is indicated in which the exercise session itself or the training period continues longer with serial strength measures to evaluate the pattern of response in strength gain from aquatic activity.