Andri Gemaini, Yanuar Kiram, Anton Komaini, Syahrastani, Gusril, Bafirman, Alnedral, Armaita, Husnul Khatimah, Aulia Rahmad
Background. Aquatic training is an excellent substitute for conventional cardiovascular workouts because of its minimal stress on joints, which promotes strength, balance, and general health. Objectives. This study aims to assess how well water exercise can increase pre-elderly people's cardiovascular capability. Methods. The research sample comprised 15 pre-elderly people who satisfied the inclusion criteria, and the methodology was experimental with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. For six weeks, each participant participated in 16 sessions of an aquatic training program that gradually increased in intensity to suit their physical conditions. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures cardiovascular endurance, was used to measure participants' cardiovascular capacity as pre-test data prior to the start of the intervention. The same test was administered as post-test data following the conclusion of the intervention. Results. With an average increase in participants' mileage of 18,86%, the results demonstrated a significant increase in cardiovascular capacity following the intervention. The paired sample t-test data analysis revealed a significant value (p < 0.05), suggesting that water exercise helps the pre-elderly group's cardiovascular capability. Conclusions. Accordingly, aquatic exercise can be recommended as a safe and effective training program to improve cardiovascular health pre-elderly and as an alternative form of exercise for those with low mobility. © 2025, Society of Aging and Physical Activity (SAPA). All rights reserved.
Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia; Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Prima Nusantara, Bukittinggi, Indonesia
