Does water aerobics with blood flow restriction change the body composition?

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 18; no. 6; pp. 25 - 31
• Main Authors: Araujo, Joamira Pereira, Neto, Gabriel Rodrigues, Silva, Julio, Silva, Hidayane Goncalves, Neto, Elisio Alves Pereira, Batista, Gilmario Ricarte, Marconio, Joao, Torres, Vitor Bruno, Poderoso, Rodrigo, Cirilo-Sousa, Maria do Socorro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Exercise Physiologists 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Aerobic exercises; Analysis; Aquatic exercises; Blood flow; Physiological aspects
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

The present study aimed to analyze the chronic effect of water aerobics with blood flow restriction (BFR) on the body composition of middle-aged women. Twenty nine middle-aged women (54 [+ or -] 4.1 yrs) were divided into 3 groups: (a) water aerobics with BFR (WAWTBFR), (b) water aerobics without BFR (WAWOBFR); and (c) control group (CON). The water aerobics program lasted 8 wks (24 sessions), with three weekly sessions. The training groups (WAWTBFR and WAWOBFR) performed 4 sets (30 x 15 x 15 x 15) of repetitions. The WAWTBFR group performed the exercises using an adapted (18 cm wide) sphygmomanometer. The cuff pressure was recorded during both the exercises and the rest intervals between sets. The CON group was instructed to maintain their daily routine until the end of the program. Body mass, body mass index, lean muscle mass, and fat percentage were measured before and after the intervention. No significant differences (P>0.05) occurred in the comparative analysis of body composition. Additionally, no significant differences in time interaction were observed (P>0.05). In conclusion, water aerobics with BFR is apparently ineffective in positively affecting body composition. Keywords: Women, Menopause, Kaatsu, Vascular occlusion