Land vs. Water Exercises on Performance and Swimming Behavior in Older Adults

Eskisehir Technical University180 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined land and aquatic exercise program (conducted 3 days per week) on physical performance, recreational swimming behaviors, and water-related risk perceptions in older adults. Physical performance is evaluated using handgrip strength and the 30-second chair sit-up test (30CST), while swimming behaviors and water-related risk perceptions are assessed via structured questionnaires.

This study investigates the effects of an 8-week structured land and shallow-water exercise program on physical performance, recreational swimming behaviors, and aquatic risk perceptions in older adults. Study Design and Procedures: Intervention: Participants participate in a progressive, 8-week exercise program conducted three times per week, combining land-based conditioning and shallow-water aquatic activities. Physical Assessments: Lower-body functional strength is evaluated using the 30-second chair sit-up test (30CST), and upper-body isometric strength is measured via handgrip dynamometry. Behavioral and Safety Assessments: Standardized questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention to assess swimming frequency, duration, distance, self-reported risky water behaviors, and fall-related anxiety during water entry and exit. The primary objective is to evaluate functional fitness changes and determine how physical conditioning interacts with safety perceptions and behavioral choices in aquatic environments among older adults.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

180

Conditions

Healthy Aging

Interventions

8-Week Beach and Aquatic Exercise InterventionBEHAVIORAL

An 8-week, 24-session multi-component exercise intervention conducted 3 days per week (30 minutes per session) on sand/beach and in shallow sea water. The program consists of three structured components:Warm-up (5 minutes): Slow walking and joint mobilization on sand/land. Main Resistance \& Aquatic Training (20 minutes): Land-based bodyweight exercises (squats, knee push-ups, brisk walking on sand) combined with shallow sea-water resistance exercises (high knees in all four directions at waist level, arm/shoulder extension and flexion against water resistance). Routine Water Activity \& Cool-Down (5 minutes): Controlled water entry/exit practice followed by static stretching on land.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 62 YearsMax age: 86 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older Able to participate independently in land and shallow-water exercise programs Able to understand and respond to survey questions and assessment protocols Willing to provide written informed consent prior to study participation Exclusion Criteria: Presence of severe or unstable cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic conditions contraindicating moderate exercise Acute or severe orthopedic, musculoskeletal, or neurological impairments restricting participation in physical testing or exercise sessions Open skin lesions, severe infectious diseases, or incontinence preventing participation in aquatic activities Severe cognitive impairment precluding comprehension of instructions or safe execution of exercise protocols

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Lower Extremity Muscle Strength (30-Second Chair Stand Test)

Measured using the 30-Second Chair Sit-to-Stand Test (30CST) to assess functional lower extremity muscle strength and endurance. Participants sit in a 43.2 cm armless chair with arms crossed over the chest and complete as many full sit-to-stands as possible in 30 seconds. Higher scores indicate better physical performance.

Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 8 Weeks (Post-test)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Swimming Behaviors Score

Evaluated using a 4-item questionnaire. Items assess weekly swimming frequency, single-session duration, continuous swimming distance, and years of experience on the beach. Total score ranges from 4 to 20, with higher scores representing more active swimming behavior.