We know that water immersion is critical for the overall health of every individual, for uniting families, and building communities. It is also extremely beneficial for physical activity, and provides an alternative medium of exercise to those that are unable to participate in land-based activities. While the evidence is overwhelmingly clear, the research continues to evolve and further document the plentiful benefits of water immersion.
Here are a few reasons why we should continue to make water immersion a priority:
- Aquatic immersion and aquatic exercise increases the supply of oxygen to muscles promoting nervous system health.
- Blood flow to the brain and arterial health may be enhanced by water immersion.
- Warm water immersion has biological benefits for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by positively impacting the sympathetic nervous system.
- The benefits of swimming are similar to those of walking and running, and present an alternative method to traditional modes of exercise, increase energy expenditure, and lower all-cause mortality risk.
- The use of aquatic exercise therapy has been shown to have advantages over land-based exercise programs on strengthening low back muscles and reducing pain.
- Dynamic balance in chest-deep water supports the assertion that balance exercises performed in water are associated with less fear of falling than on land, and therefore, promote balance and fall prevention.
- Aquatic exercise is known to be effective in improving physical fitness and having favorable effects on body composition while improving cardiovascular health.
- Water exercise offers impressive rates of energy expenditure and caloric burn.
- Aquatic exercise has an effect on attenuating bone resorption and enhancing bone formation.
- Due to water’s friendly properties, aquatic high intensity interval training offers a lower weight-bearing alternative to land-based exercise, and creates opportunities for individuals with mobility limitations, poor balance, or inability to achieve higher intensities during land-based exercise.
- Water-based non-weight bearing modalities for physical activity programming has been recommended in obese populations who find water a desirable environment for increased physical activity.
- Swimming exercise performed regularly in the pool is effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
- Due to the buoyancy of water, arthritis joint stress is reduced considerably while improving vascular functioning.
Our program, Water Immersion Works® is a unique aquatics vignettes collection by some of the most respected aquatic scholars. The publication highlights the many research-based benefits of water immersion and activity, how it improves our health, and how it empowers communities to advocate for the overall health of every individual, uniting families, and building communities.
Join us in our mission to promote the many research-based health benefits of water. Together we must advocate for our nation’s health.
