Programa de ejercicio físico en el medio acuático

Abstract

Taking part in physical exercise as a means of improving health has increased in recent years. As a consequence, numerous centres have been appearing where both adults and children can get in shape. The present study descries the administration of a programme of physical exercise in the aquatic environment which is orientated towards improving of the adult population. Material and method. The study was carried out in a swimming centre in the city of Elche (Alicante). 26 subjects (five men and 21 women) participated in it, with their consent previously given (5 men and 21 women), and with average age of 38.85 years (± 13.78), and who had been swimming, with supervision from an instructor, for an average of 17.9 months (± 17.94). All the participants stated that they had begun this activity to improve their health. During three months, in sessions of 50 minutes three times weekly, the subjects carried out in groups general aquatic and swimming exercises, differentiated by phases. The planning and application of the programme were carried out by our team. Before the application of the programme, the subjects filled in a questionnaire with questions relative to different public health aspects, and after the application of the proramme, the sensation of improvement and the satisfaction with the programme and with the physiotherapist were evaluated. Results. Besides carrying out physical exercise with the aim of improving health, the subjects studied presented other healthy behaviours, thus in 61.5% of te cases the subjects stated that they did not consume alcohol, and 38.5% consumed only a moderate amount. Regarding their eating habits, in 69.2% of the participants they were considered correct. After finishing the proramme, 65.4% found an improvement in their general state of health, 23.1% a great deal better and the remaining 11% without variation. These percentaes coincide with the results relating to the evaluation of the satisfaction with the programme. Regarding the activity of the physiotherapist, 53.8% of the participants considered it very satisfactory, 38.5% satisfactory, and 11.5% were indifferent. Regarding performance, it can be observd that we had 100% attendance and no drop-outs. Conclusions. We consider that the programme has been effective in improving the general state of health of the participants, and due to the satisfaction that they themselves state, the content and the duration of the sessions have been adequate. The planning and application of physical exercise programmes in the aquatic environment, with the aim of promoting health, require the presence of a physiotherapist, expert in the subject, as the best health professional to carry them out.