Aqua gymnastics and functional efficiency of women after 60 – pilot study

Introduction and Aim: Aging of the society is a serious problem of the modern world. Elderly people often avoid physical activities which lead to sedentary lifestyle. One suitable forms of physical activity for elderly is aqua gymnastics. The aim of the study was to determine if a larger study, using the chosen methods is feasible. This study tested the hypothesis that performing a 16-week course of aqua gymnastic training would result in improved functional fitness in women aged over 60. Material and Methods: The trial included a sample of 20 women randomly selected from the 100 who responded to the application of research. The measurements such as height, weight, waistline and hip width were conducted before and after a series of exercises in water. Results: After four-month-period of exercises in water an improvement in index value was due to weight loss, a slight decrease in waistline, the basis of the Fullerton Functional Fitness and an improvement in functional efficiency of all tested women was observed. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aqua aerobic in the group of women aged over 60 a significant functional fitness improvement was observed.