Benefits of Walking in Water

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to review the representative research findings on the effects of walking in water on health-related responses from multiple points of view to elucidate the beneficial effects of walking in water on health for older people. Research findings on positive effects of walking exercises in water were identified and discussed in terms of biomechanics, cardiorespiratory responses, body composition, and cerebral circulation compared with walking exercise on land in young and older adults. Collectively, it was suggested that walking exercise in water would be a recommended form of exercise for older adults, especially with the use of walking poles (i.e. aqua-pole walking).