Abstract

SANTOS, Catarina Costa et al. Force production and symmetry in water fitness exercises: a gender comparison. Motri. [online]. 2021, vol.17, n.4, pp.399-405.  Epub May 13, 2022. ISSN 1646-107X.  https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.25565.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare propulsive forces, relative force production and symmetry between genders during water fitness exercises. Eighteen participants (women, n= 9; age: 20.67± 0.87 years; body mass: 58.18± 4.97 kg; height: 159.19± 5.85 cm; and men, n= 9; age: 22.11± 1.76 years; body mass: 72.93± 7.00 kg; height: 170.83± 5.57 cm) underwent two incremental protocols performing horizontal adduction (HA) and the rocking horse (RHadd) exercises, from 105 to 150 bpm. Propulsive peak force of dominant (PFD) and non-dominant upper-limbs (PFND) was assessed by a differential pressure system. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to collect the dry-land isometric peak strength of the dominant upper-limb. Significant differences between genders were found for most of the music cadences in HA and RHadd. Men were able to produce higher propulsive force values for both upper-limbs during the overall incremental protocol, whereas women reached a higher relative force production. However, no significant differences were found between both genders at the same music cadence. Most actions were asymmetric in women, whereas men showed a symmetric pattern. The cadence of 135 bpm elicits a symmetric motion in both genders while exercising water fitness exercises.

Keywords : Aquatic Exercise; Propulsive Force; Isometric Strength; Cadence; Sex.

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