Although exercise training is established as an integrated part of treatment regimes for the elderly, there is no consensus yet on the appropriateness of water exercises. Our final purpose is to develop the appropriate aqua exercise machine for the elderly. Twenty eight old people (over 50 years old) were assigned to aqua walking group and aqua exercise group randomly. Body height, body weight, % of fat, grip strength, knee extension strength, maximum walking speed, one-legged standing time, functional reach, tandem gait and speed of sound in calcaneal bone were measured by 10 weeks interval. Also blood pressure and pulse were measured before and after the exercises in both groups. In aqua exercise group, muscle strength significantly increased, especially in women. Although functional reach and speed of sound in calcaneal bone were improved in both groups, there was no significant changes in maximum walking speed or one-legged standing time in both groups. Systolic blood pressure went down after exercises significantly in aqua walking group and not significantly in aqua exercise group. These results indicated that the existing aqua exercise machines are beneficial for the training of the elderly. However, the improvement of machines including down-sizing is required.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.27/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE