12 Weeks of Water Aerobics at Various Intensities for Adults and Older Adults

Change from Baseline in explosive strength of lower limbs at 12 weeks

The explosive strength of the lower limbs was evaluated using the countermovement jump.Three jumps with countermovement were performed, with participants instructed to jump as high as possible, with one minute of rest between repetitions. A higher jump height corresponds to a better score. In this test, the mean value was considered.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in explosive strength of upper limbs at 12 weeks

The explosive strength of the upper limbs was evaluated using medicine ball throw. Each participant was encouraged to throw a 3-kilogram medicine ball, as far as possible. The best scores are achieved by throwing the ball as far as possible. In this test, the mean value was considered.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in endurance strength of lower limbs at 12 weeks

The endurance strength of the lower limbs was assessed using the chair stand test. The chair stand test entailed the participant sitting in the center of the chair with a straight back and feet shoulder-width apart and in full contact with the floor. The upper limbs were crossed at the wrist level and positioned against the chest. Upon receiving the starting signal, the participant rose to maximum extension and returned to the initial sitting position, striving to complete the maximum number of repetitions within a 30-second time frame.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in endurance strength of upper limbs at 12 weeks

The endurance strength of the upper limbs was assessed using the arm curl test. In this test, the participant was seated in a chair with the back straight and fully leaning against the chair, with their feet flat on the floor. A 2 kg dumbbell was held in their dominant hand, and the test commenced with the forearm in a lower position, near the chair, perpendicular to the floor. Upon receiving the start signal, the participant performed a complete flexion of the forearm and then returned to the initial position of forearm extension. The evaluator encouraged the participant to perform as many repetitions as possible within a time limit of 30 seconds, counting each correct flexion performed.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in body mass at 12 weeks

A bioimpedance balance was used. For the correct extraction of this test, participants were barefoot and dressed in as little clothing as possible.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in fat mass percentage at 12 weeks

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in fat-free mass at 12 weeks

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in body mass index at 12 weeks

The body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the body mass value by the height squared (kg/m\^2). For this, each participant's height was measured using a precision stadiometer with a scale of 0.001 m. For the correct extraction of this test, participants were barefoot.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in triglycerides at 12 weeks

Blood samples were collected before exercise (after a 15-minute rest period) and at least 2 hours after the last meal.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in total cholesterol at 12 weeks

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in diastolic blood pressure at 12 weeks

This measure was assessed using an automatic blood pressure monitor, after the participant was seated and resting for at least 20 minutes.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks

Time frame: Baseline and week 12

Change from Baseline in resting heart rate at 12 weeks

This measure was assessed using an automatic blood pressure monitor, after the participant was seated and resting for at least 20 minutes.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12