Development of an Aquatic Exercise Training Protocol for the Asthmatic Population

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose creation of a consistent, measureable 12-week aquatic exercise progression for individuals diagnosed with asthma. An aquatic exercise option not requiring swim skills may offer real value, but no previous literature explicitly describes a standardized nonswimming aquatic exercise progression. Participants were diagnosed: medically managed asthmatics in a rural community. Guidelines set forth by AEA and ACSM were used in the development of the exercise program and progression. By the end of the 12 weeks, instructors were challenging participants with multilevel travel sets and complex timed sequences, meeting programmatic goals for exercise intensity progression. In conclusion, this 12-week aquatic exercise protocol could effectively be prescribed by aquatic exercise specialists to increase physical activity in an asthmatic population. The design may be used in research studies as a consistent and measurable treatment protocol. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR