Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorSo, Billy (RS)en_US
dc.creatorKwok, Man Ying-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13982-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleThe effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training on cardio-metabolic health, cognition and perceptual responses in physically inactive aged womenen_US
dcterms.abstractThis thesis begins with a meta-analysis (Study 1) of previously-published studies of aquatic high-intensity interval training and its effects on cardiac, metabolic and physical health markers in aged women. The review included thirteen research studies. Given the high prevalence of physical inactivity, obesity and osteoarthritis among aged women, that was the population chosen as a target group. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training on cardiac-metabolic and physical outcomes. It suggested that aquatic high-intensity interval training has a moderate effect in improving these health markers in such women group. This provided the background for a further review of the effects of deep water running as a modality in improving the cardiorespiratory fitness, physical functioning and quality of life of adults.en_US
dcterms.abstractStudy 2 was a systematic review which identified eleven clinical trials of the effectiveness of deep water running. Improvements in adults’ cardiorespiratory fitness, physical functioning and quality of life were compared through land exercises or without any dedicated exercise. The findings suggested that deep water running may offer results comparable to those of land-based training, though with mixed results when compared with taking no dedicated exercise. That motivated the next step of developing an effective intervention program to improve cardiac and metabolic outcomes based on deep water running.en_US
dcterms.abstractA reliable, valid and water resisted tool that accurately assesses patients’ progress would be very helpful. Study 3 was designed to quantify the validity and reliability of using an inexpensive 3D-printed portable metabolic analyser PNOĒ to measure the cardio-metabolic outcomes of aquatic exercise in terms of aerobic fitness.en_US
dcterms.abstractTwo cross-sectional pilot studies were performed to develop an aquatic high-intensity interval training protocol in Study 4. The first study varied the cadence to establish a matched intensity between aquatic and land-based high-intensity interval training through comparing the cardio-metabolic and perceptual responses. Results indicated that aquatic exercise produced a greater reduction in heart rate and a greater increase in oxygen pulse. The second pilot study explored the benefits of increasing the intensity of the aquatic exercise by adding resistance. The resistance was found to produce no significant change in heart rate or peak oxygen uptake, but it did tend to increase the perceived rate of exertion.en_US
dcterms.abstractA randomized and controlled trial (Study 5) was organized which compared the effects of an 8-week program of aquatic high-intensity interval training based on running in deep water with those of a matched program administered on land. Cardio-metabolic, cognitive and psychological outcomes were compared. The deep-water running program was found to improve oxygen capacity, metabolic equivalents, blood oxygen and ventilation as well as the land-based exercise program. It also produced in this population similar improvements in cognition as assessed by the Mini-Mental Status Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.en_US
dcterms.abstractThese findings suggest high-intensity aquatic exercise could serve as an alternative to add value to land-based alternatives. It should be considered by healthcare professionals when designing programs targeting specific cardio-metabolic health benefits, metabolic blood markers, cognitive functioning, and perception in physically inactive older women.en_US
dcterms.extentxxviii, 363 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2025en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelPh.D.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.accessRightsopen accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
8444.pdfFor All Users13.78 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13982