Evaluation of aquafitness exercise on the physical and mental health of older women: a pilot study

Physical activity is a priority to improve health. However, a sedentary lifestyle is increasingly becoming the norm. For example, in Mexico, sedentarism has increased, especially among older women. This study evaluated the effects of aquafitness on the health of older women in Mexico. Healthy older women performed aquafitness exercise and were compared to a control group of comparable women. Outcome assessments performed at baseline and after 17-weeks included psychological and physical/anthropometric measures. Participants in aquafitness became more optimistic, lost more weight, body fat, and a subsequent decrease in BMI, compared to controls. The results suggest important avenues for future research.