Background: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of Aquatic High Intensity Interval Training (AHIIT) on cardiometabolic and physical health markers in women.
Methods: Systematic search used 7 databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane, Embase, CINAL complete, PsycINFO). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Clinical trials compared AHIIT with a control group that receive no exercise training. We integrated randomized controlled trials published in English, and participants were women aged ≥18 years. The outcome of interest was the change in cardiometabolic and physical health markers.
Results: Among 242 articles screened, 18 articles (13 trials) were included in this meta-analysis comparing AHIIT (n = 261) with a control group (n = 215). The median PEDro score was 5.5 out of 10 (range, 4-8). AHIIT significantly improved peak oxygen uptake (Hedges' g 0.610; 95% CI 0.277-0.943; P < 0.001), reduced resting heart rate (Hedges' g -0.495; 95% CI -0.866 to -0.124; P < 0.05), as well as chair to stand test. (Hedges' g 0.548; 95% CI 0.019 to 1.077; P < 0.05).
Conclusion: AHIIT has a moderate effect in improving cardiometabolic and physical health markers in women.
Keywords: Aquatic high intensity interval exercise; Cardiometabolic health; Meta-analysis; Physical health; Women.
© 2022 The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.