A comparative analysis between head-out underwater walking and land-based treadmill walking in a group of healthy asymptomatic elderly

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the cardiometabolic responses (VO2 and HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of walking, at the same percentage of heart rate reserve (HRres) plus resting heart rate (HRrest), on a nonmotorized aquatic treadmill and on a land-based motorized treadmill, in healthy older adults. Methods: Eighteen healthy older adults, all men, were required to perform two trials in random order, one on an underwater nonmotorized treadmill and the other on land motorized treadmill. Each trial consisted in a 20-min walk. The first 10 min carried out at 40% of HRres + HRrest, and the second 10 min at 60% of HRres + HRrest. The HRres and HRrest percentages were calculated on the basis of a maximal treadmill test on land. Results: HR, VO2, VE, and RPE outcomes were significantly different between the two executive frequencies, but not between the two environment conditions. The results indicate that cardiometabolic responses and rate of perceived exertion are similar during a walk on a land motorized treadmill and on a nonmotorized aquatic treadmill, at the same percentage of heart rate reserve. Conclusions: The present investigation indicates that data of land maximal exercise test can be used to prescribe water aerobic exercise.