Aquatic Therapy Research Summary: Texas A&M Weight Loss Study
At a glance
CASE STUDIES
A comprehensive study conducted by
To compare the cardiovascular responses to exercise on a HydroWorx
Texas A&M University explored the
treadmill versus a land treadmill and develop equations to predict oxygen
effectiveness of HydroWorx aquatic
uptake (VO2) and caloric expenditure during HydroWorx treadmill exercise.
therapy for exercise, rehabilitation, and
To compare the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training on
weight loss. This research compared
cardiovascular health, physical fitness, and body composition between the
HydroWorx water-based treadmill exercise
HydroWorx water treadmill and a traditional land treadmill.
with traditional land-based treadmill exercise.
KEY FINDINGS Preference & Enjoyment
CONCLUSION The Texas A&M study indicates that HydroWorx aquatic therapy is highly effective for weight loss, muscle gain, 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.
Caloric Burn
80% of participants preferred exercising in the HydroWorx pool over the land treadmill.
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.
Muscle Mass & Fat Loss
Cardiovascular Responses
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.
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.
BENEFITS Enhanced Caloric Burn:
1
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:
2
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.
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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.