Comparison between aquatic and ground environments of rhythmic initiation for postural control

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aquatic and ground exercises on postural control in normal young adults. [Subjects] Thirty normal adult subjects participated in the study, and 10 adults were assigned to each exercise group, i.e., the aquatic exercise group, ground exercise group, and control exercise group (n=10). The subjects performed exercises using the rhythmic initiation technique in 2 different environments, i.e., on land and in water. Outcomes were measured when the subjects performed exercises under the following 4 conditions: (1) with the eyes kept open, (2) with the eyes kept closed, (3) with the eyes kept open and simultaneous galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), and (4) with the eyes kept closed and simultaneous GVS. [Results] The balance index significantly improved in the aquatic exercise group after training under all experimental conditions, excluding the condition with the eyes kept closed and simultaneous GVS. The balance index significantly improved in the ground exercise group after training under all experimental conditions, excluding the condition with the eyes closed. The balance index of the subjects in the control group did not improve significantly under any condition. [Conclusion] The results of this study showed that aquatic exercise and ground exercise training improve postural control in normal young adults.