A Pilot Study Proposal to Determine if a New Aquatic Exercise Apparatus (AquaBOOMTM) is Effective in Enhancing Upper Extremity Strength and Muscular Endurance

Logan Hays, SPT , Grant Hitchens, SPT, Tam Tran, SPTAdvisors: David Lehman, PT, PhD and Timothy Jones, Ed.D

IntroductionAquatic exercise is a popular form of fitness and physical

rehabilitation because of the essential physical properties of water. They are density, specific gravity, hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, viscosity, and thermodynamics. 1,2,9,10

The hydrostatic pressure is the plastic deformation of the body that occurs when the body enters the water. The right atrial pressure and pleural surface pressure rises, the chest wall compresses, and the diaphragm is displaced cephalically.1 Moreover, blood is displaced upward through the venous and lymphatic systems ultimately into the heart when the individual is subjected to external water pressure.1,9,10,11,12,13

Buoyancy has an offloading effect of body weight: water at symphysis pubis level results in 40% offloading, umbilicus 50% offloading, and xiphoid level results in 60% or more offloading.1 The use of buoyancy to assist in performing the exercise is an asset for those that cannot perform exercises on land and need assistance to complete the movement and strengthen muscle/muscle endurance with less resistance first before moving to higher resistance training.

Conversely, the depth of body immersion can be utilized to increase resistance and diminish the buoyant properties displaced on the body. 8,11 Body movements in water elicit drag properties that allow for resistance during the entire range of motion which supports the mechanisms behind functional movements and strength training.3,5,6 Resistance exercises performed in the aquatic environment have been shown effective in increasing strength and power by utilizing the components of intensity, volume, drag force, cadence, and velocity.3,4,5,6,7,14

Statement of the ProblemAquatic Exercises that can incorporate buoyancy and

speed of movement for resistance have been shown to be effective in both the fitness and rehabilitation arenas.3,4,15 Having a device that is cost effective, easy to use, and allows for multiple exercises to be performed would be a welcome addition to aquatic exercise. With the recent invention of the AquaBOOM TM exercise device, one can exercise utilizing both the benefits of buoyancy and resistance of water.

Initially, for persons who have decreased strength of the upper extremities and need assistance to complete an exercise, the buoyancy will aid the person in doing exercises by performing slow, controlled movements on the AquaBOOM TM.

Once the person is able to complete the upper extremity exercises through the full range of movement, the speed of the exercise can be adjusted to provide a resistance factor to the exercise for further strengthening.

Statement of Purpose for Proposed Study To determine if the aquatic exercise apparatus AquaBOOMTM is

an effective exercise tool for enhancing upper extremity strength and muscular endurance.

HypothesisA training program for sedentary individuals using the

AquaBOOMTM will lead to significant improvements in both muscular strength and muscular endurance of the major upper extremity muscle groups: posterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, lower trapezius, biceps.

Methods of Proposed StudySampling

Sedentary individuals aged 18-25 will recruited using Convenient and Predictive Sampling methods by recruiting Tennessee State University students via flyers on campus and via the University Exchange email program. IRB Approval And Informed Consent and will be required.

Pre/Post Measurements Pre and Posttest measurements of upper extremity muscle

strength (one-rep max) and muscular endurance (total number of repetitions at 75% of one-rep max) will be assessed on land using an isokinetic pull down bar. The movements for assessment will be: 1) pull downs with narrow, hand under grip (posterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, lower trapezius, biceps), 2) pull downs with wide, hand over grip (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, lower trapezius), and 3) push downs with narrow, hand over grip (triceps).

Intervention Exercises using the AquaBOOMTM will be performed to simulate

each movement targeting the muscle groups in the Pre/Post Measurements (total of three exercises). Each participant will perform as many repetitions of the exercise until he/she can no longer perform the exercise appropriately or indicates he/she has reached a point of fatigue and cannot continue. Each participant will perform 3 sets of each exercise per intervention session with at least a 5-7 minute break between sets. There will be a total of six exercise sessions over two weeks allowing 48 hours of rest between exercise sessions.

References Available Upon Request

Acknowledgements: Fletcher Moon and Dean William Johnson

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