Dear Prospective Aquatic Researcher,
Welcome to the challenging and rewarding world of aquatic research.  The aquatic industry is in need of simple data collection, as well as controlled quality research.  Any data collected at this time will add to our base of research data resources and reduce the challenge for those wanting to conduct research projects.  When collecting data or conducting research, you are encouraged to carefully document any data collection methods and share any ways special challenges were met in the aquatic research environment. 

The Aquatic Exercise Association is committed to facilitating research and disseminating research results for the advancement of the aquatic industry.  The Association continues to seek financial sources, equipment and resources to fund aquatic research.  The AEA Research Council is available to review research protocol and data collection methods to help researchers avoid common pitfalls and improve the overall quality of research projects.

When conducting aquatic research, you may be challenged by the following:

1. The use of electrical equipment that measures physiological parameters in the water.  There are portable heart rate monitors available to use in the water, and reasonably priced portable oxygen analyzers available.  EMG devices to collect research data in the water are available as well as water specific submerged stationary bikes, treadmills, and a cross country ski machine.
2. Measuring and quantifying progressive overload and the amount of resistance used in the aquatic environment.  Controlling speed of movement through a set range of motion with a metronome can help you quantify resistance.  You can also time the number of repetitions performed through full range of motion or increase the number of repetitions in the same time period through full range of motion.  Consider progressive overload with various equipment options.  There are ways to quantify workload in the water!
3. There are no validated norms for any type of fitness testing in the water to date.  There are a few pioneering research studies available which have begun to collect fitness testing methods and data.
4. Controlling the variables in the aquatic research environment.  Variables to consider include: water temperature, water depth, water chemicals, air temperature, air humidity, air quality, pool bottom surface, acoustics, water movement or currents, and equipment used.

Share/Publish Your Research Information

The Aquatic Exercise Association is proud to announce several ways you can share your aquatic research with the aquatic and research community.

Submit your research or pilot data for report in the AEA AKWA magazine published every two months.  Submit information to june@chewnings.com.

Consider a poster session or request a research session at the International Aquatic Fitness Conference held in the spring of each year.  You do not have to be present at the conference to submit a poster of your research.  Contact June Lindle Chewning at june@chewnings.com.


SUGGESTIONS FOR AQUATIC RESEARCH TOPICS

Aquatic Fitness Muscle Contraction Questions

Aquatic abdominal muscle contractions:

• Contractions in various positions: supine, prone, vertical suspended, standing, side lying, etc.
• Various movements for each position
• Contractions with various buoyant and resistance equipment
• Variations in body position
• Variations in movements for each position

Upper torso movements performed in versus out of the water.  Also, upper torso commonly used movements comparing land to the water environment.  Upper and lower torso muscle contractions utilizing various types of aquatic equipment.

• Possibly helping to quantify workload to facilitate aquatic rehabilitation research.
• Comparison of various types of equipment.
• Comparison of different cadences with the same equipment- does it incrementally increase workload when the cadence is progressively increased?
• Comparisons of muscle contractions in the lower torso when on an aquatic step as compared to being on a step on land.  Does working down from the bench against buoyancy in the aquatic environment load the legs differently than working from the bottom of the pool up against reduced gravity?

Aquatic Fitness Exercise Physiology Questions

Information to quantify the question of caloric consumption in the water and to what extent fat is used as a fuel source.

• Metabolic data collection or information (METS, calorie consumption, fuel sources used) for all modes of aquatic exercise.
• Substantiation of fat loss or body composition changes through training studies.

Information clarifying the effect of water temperature on oxygen uptake in water exercise.  Is there a relationship between the two and at what temperature(s) does it occur if at all?

What effect does warm water have on exercise responses?

What impact does water exercise have on bone density?

What, if any, is the relationship between water depth and workload, oxygen consumption, blood pressure, heart rate, impact forces, etc.


Training Studies:
Training studies utilizing any mode of aquatic exercise with the general population and special populations.  Any research data collected on the effects of aquatic training on fitness parameters (strength, endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, flexibility),  medical parameters (effects on rehabilitation) as well as psychological and emotional factors are needed and valuable.

Training modes: 
Shallow water
Deep water   
Aquatic step
Water striding
Deep water jogging
Aquatic Circuit
Aquatic Interval
Aquatic equipment
Strength training in the water

Special populations:
Obese
Older adult
Cardiac patients
Athletes
Children
Adolescents
Ethnic groups
Mentally challenged
Physically challenged
Emotionally impaired
Orthopedic rehabilitation

Data and Information on Attitude and Perception
The aquatic industry faces many challenges including the perceptions and attitudes of fitness participants and non participants toward the water as a fitness training option. 

1. A large percentage of the U.S. population is inactive.  Information on attitudes toward starting an exercise program, and starting an exercise program in the water may better enable facilities to market programs to the inactive population.
2. Any data collected on the perceptions of aquatic fitness participants before and after starting an aquatic fitness class would be valuable. 
3. Perceptions of land exercisers concerning water fitness would also be valuable in promoting and targeting classes to accommodate a broader range of participants.

For additional information or assistance please contact
June Lindle Chewning
AEA Research Council
3776 Moonridge Dr.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45248
june@chewnings.com
Fax (513) 574-9857