Download Aquatic-based conditioning

Aquatic-based
conditioning
The IU Health Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center in Bloomington offers an Aquatic Based Conditioning Program™ in
the specialized HydroWorx 1000 therapeutic pool. Our team of exercise specialists work one-on-one with patients who have
been discharged from the aquatic therapy program. This program is designed to be a transitional step between therapy and an
independent program. All participants must have had aquatic therapy within a month’s time.
Why aquatic-based conditioning?
Often, there are limited options to continue aquatic exercise following discharge from therapy. Through this unique program,
discharged patients can continue to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. Because of the high
resistance, low impact and warm water environment, the Aquatic Based Conditioning Program is ideal for a wide variety
of individuals. In addition, aquatic exercise provides a 10-15 percent increase in caloric burning compared to similar land
exercises.
How water improves wellness
Buoyancy provides a feeling of being nearly weightless and decreases joint compression forces by up to 90 percent in shoulder
height depth. This unique feature of water becomes advantageous to the participant in preventing injuries while still exercising
at an intense level.
Cohesion and viscosity provide resistance with each movement. These two principles permit the participant to control the
amount of resistance. The faster a movement occurs, the more resistance applied to the corresponding muscle group.
Again, this property decreases the risk for injury by ensuring that the participants only work within their appropriate amount of
resistance. However, water has been reported to offer 12 times the amount of resistance of air, providing an excellent source
for strengthening.
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted on the body by the water. In a four foot depth of water, the pressure is nearly
15 pounds per square inch. This pressure results in several systemic changes in the body. One particular beneficial effect is
the increase in blood supplied to the exercising muscle group. The increase in blood flow decreases or nearly eliminates the
effects of lactic acid building up in muscles, preventing muscular soreness. This could allow a client to tolerate several intense
workouts without the negative effects.
Turbulence is the constant movement of the water. Turbulence can be increased by several different sources such as an
instructor or jet resistance. This constant movement of the water provides a challenge to the participant’s core stability. Core
stability is a critical factor in both prevention of injury and overall wellness.
Aquatic-based conditioning vs. Aquatic therapy
Aquatic Based Conditioning is a series of one-on-one aquatic exercise sessions with an exercise specialist.
This is a fee-for-service program; insurance cannot be billed for this program. In contrast, Aquatic Therapy is provided by
licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.