The Effects of Strength Training in Hydrogymnastics for Middle-Age Women

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of different strength training protocols carried Out in hydrogymnastics workouts on the maximal strength of the shoulder horizontal flexors (SHF), shoulder horizontal extensors (SHE), and hip extensors (HE) muscles. Fifty-two women (ages 50.4 ± 14.15 years) were divided into two groups: hydrogymnastics with strength training without resistive equipment (HS) and hydrogymnastics with strength training using resistive equipment (HSE). The training lasted 12 weeks (2 × per week) and the intensity was controlled using Borg's rating of perceived exertion scale for both groups. After 12 weeks of training, both groups showed an increase in maximal strength of all muscles analyzed for both HS (SHF: 13.68 ± 3.20kg vs. 16.02 ± 2.57kg; SHE: 17.20 ± 6.54kg vs. 21.14 ± 2.44kg; HE: 22.79 ± 6.98kg vs. 32.27 ± 6.57kg) and for HSE (SHF: 13.52 ± 3.53 vs. 16.02 ± 4.13kg; SHE: 18.23 ± 3.43 vs. 20.02 ± 4.32kg; HE: 24.79 ± 6.91 vs. 33.29 ± 5.71). There were no differences between training groups. These results indicated that the hydrodynamic strength training exercises may increase the maximal strength of middle-age women, independent of the type of resistive equipment used. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR