Aquatic Therapy Research Study: Weight Loss

Aquatic Therapy Research Summary:

Texas A&M Weight Loss Study

glance

A comprehensive study conducted by Texas A&M University explored the effectiveness of HydroWorx aquatic therapy for exercise, rehabilitation, and weight loss. This research compared HydroWorx water-based treadmill exercise with traditional land-based treadmill exercise.

The Texas A&M study indicates that HydroWorx aquatic therapy is highly effectiveforweightloss,musclegain, and overall cardiovascular fitness.

Participants not only preferred the HydroWorx treadmill but also experienced better physiological responses and enjoyment compared to traditional land-based treadmill exercise.

To compare the cardiovascular responses to exercise on a HydroWorx treadmill versus a land treadmill and develop equations to predict oxygen uptake (VO2) and caloric expenditure during HydroWorx treadmill exercise. To compare the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular health, physical fitness, and body composition between the HydroWorx water treadmill and a traditional land treadmill.

Preference & Enjoyment

80% of participants preferred exercising in the HydroWorx pool over the land treadmill.

Muscle Mass & Fat Loss

Participants using the HydroWorx pool gained more lean muscle mass and lost more body fat percentage compared to those using the land treadmill. Lean body mass increased more significantly in HydroWorx users. Body fat percentage decreased more significantly in HydroWorx users.

Enhanced Caloric Burn:

Caloric Burn

HydroWorx pool exercise burns more calories per minute than land treadmill exercise when walking or jogging at speeds of 4 mph or above with jets at 50% intensity or higher.

Cardiovascular Responses

HydroWorx exercise showed similar or lower heart rates and oxygen consumption compared to land treadmill exercise, suggesting a less perceived exertion while achieving similar or better results.

HydroWorx aquatic treadmill exercise burns more calories per minute compared to land treadmill exercise, especially at higher speeds and with increased jet resistance. For instance, walking or jogging at 4 mph with 50% jet intensity burns more calories in the HydroWorx pool than on a land treadmill at the same speed.

Improved Body Composition:

Participants using the HydroWorx treadmill experienced significant gains in lean muscle mass and reductions in body fat percentage. After 12 weeks of training, HydroWorx users showed an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass, indicating better overall body composition changes compared to those using land treadmills.

Lower Perceived Exertion with Effective Cardiovascular Benefits: 2

3

Despite providing similar or even better results, exercising in the HydroWorx pool tends to be perceived as less strenuous. This is indicated by lower heart rates and oxygen consumption (VO2) during HydroWorx treadmill exercise at the same speed compared to land treadmill exercise, making it an effective yet more comfortable exercise option for improving cardiovascular health.