Aqua aerobics versus swimming: comparative effects on physical and mental health in older women with multimorbidity

Purpose This study compared the effects of aqua aerobics and swimming on functional autonomy, muscular efficiency, and mental and cognitive health in older women with multimorbidity. Methods 98 women were assessed for eligibility. 41 eligible participants were randomized to either an aqua aerobics group (G1) ( n = 21) or a swimming group (G2) ( n = 20). 27 participants completed the intervention and were included in the final analyses. Both programs lasted 12 weeks, with two 40-min sessions per week. Assessments were conducted 48 h before and 48 h after the intervention period. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with effect sizes calculated using Cohen’s d and partial eta-squared ( η 2 p ). Results Significant reductions ( p < 0.05) in sleepiness (G1: − 50%; G2: − 57%), anxiety (G1: − 42%; G2: − 46%), and depression (G1: − 64%; G2: − 62%) were observed in both groups. Improvements were noted in sleep quality (G1: + 50%; G2: + 55%) and functional autonomy tests, including sit-to-stand (G1: + 23%; G2: + 58%) and walking speed (G1: + 17%; G2: + 47%). Muscular efficiency increased with gains in leg muscular endurance (G1: + 18%; G2: + 50%) and strength (G1: + 41%; G2: + 52%). Significant within-group improvements in cognitive performance were observed only in G2. However, the between-group effects were small to moderate ( η 2 p = 0.04–0.20). Conclusion Both interventions improved physical and mental health. Significant within-group cognitive improvements were observed only in the swimming group, although between-group differences were modest.