tions such as osteoarthritis. As of 2016, arthritis was the lead- ing cause of disability in the US, and about fifty-three million people are affected. The term arthritis encompasses over 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints, including gout, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis (US Department of Health and Human Services 2016). No matter the type, arthritis decreases the quality of life in many individuals of all ages, not just the older adult population. These conditions negatively affect the health of individu- als. As endurance and VO2 max decline, movement during everyday life becomes more difficult and the risk of heart disease increases. Deep-water running may provide a less painful alternative to aerobic exercise as the water cushions the joints and improves cardiovascular fitness. In fact, com- pared to land-based training, it may allow the cardiovascu- lar system to work harder during low to moderate exercise. Reilly, Dowzer, and Cable found that deep-water running caused runners to work harder due to their upper body being utilized more effectively – even with a decrease in maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, and minute ventilation. It has also been shown that deep-water running assists with preventing injury because the water reduces spinal loading, and even helps with muscle soreness (Reilly 2003). In addition to the cardiovascular system losing functional capacity, the muscular system is also declining with age. As stated previously, arthritis is one factor for decreasing qual- ity of life. However, reduction of muscular strength is also due to the muscle fibers decreasing in size as the body ages. After the age of 70, the anterior-pituitary gland produces less somatotropes, and this is associated with muscle hypertro- phy (Antic et al. 2015). Combined with reduced physical activity, this puts the geriatric population at greater risk for strength deficits. The water, however, is a great way to offset this muscu- lar decline. Villalta and Peiris studied the effects of early aquatic therapy sessions for post-operative orthopedic sur- gery patients, many of whom received hip and knee replace- ments. Often, after surgery, these patients would experience decreased mobilization, muscle coordination, and strength, as well as limitations in performance of activities of daily living. Aquatic therapy assisted patients to get back on track quicker than land-based therapy, and strength gains were observed (Villalta 2013). Deep-water running can provide similar benefits of developing, and maintaining, muscular strength. The viscosity of the water provides multi-directional resistance that challenges the muscles in all planes of move- ment. Additional equipment can further increase resistive forces when appropriate. All in all, deep-water running can be part of a well-balanced exercise program to improve and maintain muscular endur- ance and strength for participants of any age or any fitness level. So encourage older adults to go feet first into the deep water…just remind them to wear proper, attached flotation for safety, and to exercise with a certified aquatic fitness pro- fessional to get the most out of the deep-water running expe- rience! n Resources Antic, V.M., N. Stefanovic, I. Jovanovic, M. Antic, M. Milic, M. Krstic, B. Kundalic, and V. Milosevic. 2015. Morphometric analysis of somatotropic cells of the adenohypophysis and muscle fibers of the psoas muscle in the process of aging in humans. Annals of Anatomy- Anatomischer Anzeiger. 200: 44-53. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website [Internet]. Atlanta (GA). Arthritis; [cited 2016 November 2]. Available from: http:// www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis. htm Kanitz, A.C., R.S. Delevatti, T. Reichert, G.V. Liedtke, R. Ferrari, B.P. Almada, S.S. Pinto, C.L. Alberton, and L.F.M. Kruel. 2015. Effects of two deep water training programs on cardiorespiratory and muscular strength responses in older adults. Experimental Geron- tology. 64: 55-61. Reilly, T., C.N. Dowzer, and N.T. Cable NT. 2003. The Physiology of deep-water running. Journal of Sports Science. 12: 959-972. Villalta, E.M. and C.L. Peiris. 2013. Early Aquatic Physical Therapy Improves Function and Does Not Increase Risk of Wound-Related Adverse Events for Adults After Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 94(1): 138-148. Author Amanda Trail is a senior in the Exercise Physiology program at West Virginia University with an emphasis in Aquatic Therapy. Amanda plans to go on to get a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies after graduation. Originally from Charleston, WV, Amanda grew up playing a sport for every season including swimming, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Most recently, she joined the WVU Boxing Club Team and snowboards when the weather permits. 14 | Akwa | December 2017 / January 2018
