When you reach an age where you need to pay attention to joint health, you become interested in swimming and aquarobics. This is because there is less strain on the joints than aerobic exercise on the ground, such as running or walking. Exercise in the water is effective for peripheral arterial disease in which blood vessels such as limbs, stomach, and head are narrowed, so it is used in various angles in rehabilitation programs.
The benefits of regular exercise using water vary, but a recent study added that it may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults. According to the UK’Independent’, a survey found that for people over 55 years of age, exercising in the water is as beneficial to heart health as exercising while sweating in a gym.
The study, conducted by Marcos Clonizakis (clinical physiology), associate professor at Sheffield Hallam University, studied 80 people over the age of 55 who had normal blood pressure and had no chronic conditions such as diabetes. Participants exercised an average of 4 times a week for at least 6 months. The research team compared people who exercised in the water with those who exercised in the gym, and who mixed the two exercises. Professor Clonisakis said, “This is the first time we have proved that it is beneficial to the cardiovascular system by directly comparing underwater exercise and gym exercise.”
To determine the effect of exercise on cardiovascular health, the researchers measured the effectiveness of the inner blood vessels, the vascular endothelium of the small and large arteries. Endothelial cells are very important in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a result, all three types of exercise functioned as health benefits for endothelial cells in arteries and veins. Whether in water or out of water, continuous exercise had a positive effect on cardiovascular disease prevention.
The mechanism by which this effect is produced is unclear, but it is presumed to be related to the fact that exercise can increase nitric oxide production in our body. Nitric oxide is a key element that protects the endothelial function of arteries and veins. The more nitric oxide you make, the better your arteries and veins function.
Cardiovascular disease is regarded as one of the main causes of death among the elderly. A healthy diet and constant exercise are effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. However, as we get older, we tend to lack exercise. In the UK, only 13% of women over 75 met the recommended daily amount of physical activity.
Movement under water than movement on the ground can reduce pain or stress and put less strain on the joints. Regardless of age, if you are weak or afraid of handling heavy equipment in the gym, it is time to pay attention to underwater exercises such as swimming aquarobics.
Reporter Bohyun Lee together@kormedi.com
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