Effects of shallow water aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness and pulse wave analysis in older individuals

Arterial stiffening (AS) is characterized by the loss of the elasticity of arteries and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) mortality. We tested the hypothesis that shallow water aerobics can lower AS in older individuals with CV risk factors. Participants were randomized into two groups. The Con group remained inactive, whereas the ExT group exercised for 10 weeks. Carotid-tofemoral pulse wave velocity was used to measure AS and pulse wave analysis was used to determine central blood pressures pre- and postintervention. A significant group by time interaction was identified for AS in favor of the ExT group. No differences were found pre- and post-training in brachial or central systolic pressures; however, a reduction in brachial and central diastolic pressures was evident in the ExT group. These findings indicate that the introduction of shallow water aerobic exercise training positively influences AS and blood pressure of individuals with CV risk factors.