Abstract

Evidence for the role of aquatics in enhancing population health

Aquatic activities are relatively unstudied as separate entities in the scientific literature, especially with regard to health benefits. The majority of studies address the therapeutic benefits of water-based activities in people with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or obesity – conditions which militate against the individual performing weight bearing activities. Aquatic activities have also been studied with respect to injury prevalence, training for elite performance and as an aid to recovery from injury. However, epidemiological studies have not been performed to investigate the long-term, health benefits of participation in aquatics with respect to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes or musculoskeletal disorders.

On the other hand, we have half a century of strong evidence demonstrating substantial health benefits of ‘physical activity’ – which includes walking, running, swimming, other sports, active travel, home-based activity and work-based activity. Generally speaking, all physical activity is beneficial to health, irrespective of the mode of activity. In epidemiological studies therefore, total physical activity is usually assessed as a composite variable including as many modes of activity as possible, often including aquatics. It can be concluded with some certainty that in general the clear health benefits attributed to regular physical activity can also be attributed to aquatics, despite the fact that the individual components and dimensions of physical activity are rarely disaggregated in the analysis.

Different modes of activity may have differential effects on different diseases – for example, weight bearing activities may be better for promoting bone health. Aquatics – as a largely aerobic activity - will carry similar health benefits to walking, running, cycling or other activities, providing the frequency, intensity, duration and volume is equivalent.

Abstract

Using aquatics strategically to improve population health

Synchronized Swimming is a demanding aquatic sport characterized by acrobatics, strength, power, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, artistic expression and showmanship. To acquire the skills necessary to perform these intricate physical feats, the synchronized swimmer must undergo an intensive and complex training program. These demands may result in injuries and illnesses that are unique to synchronized swimming. The sports medicine physician has an integral role to play in the prevention of these health concerns by influencing the institution of preventative training guidelines and balance in training program. This presentation will review the physical demands of the synchronized swimmer and the subsequent injuries and illnesses that are commonly seen in the competitive synchronized swimmer. The principles of injury management in synchronized swimming will be reviewed. The presentation will explore the role of the team physician in the prevention of these health issues. Finally, recommendations for the future direction of health care in synchronized swimming will be investigated.