Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure During Aqua Dynamics

Abstract

In brief: The heart rate, oxygen uptake, and energy expenditure of three young women were measured during 20-minute low-gear, 30-minute middle-gear, and 60-minute high-gear aqua dynamics workouts. All three workouts were moderate in intensity, eliciting average heart rates of 132 to 143 beats min⁻¹ (70% to 77% HR max), average oxygen uptakes of 1.2 to 1.3 liters min⁻¹ (51% to 57% VO₂ max), and average energy expenditures of 5.9 to 6.5 kcals min⁻¹ The findings indicate that aqua dynamics could be a beneficial conditioning program for people who have relatively low physical work capacity and enjoy swimming but cannot conveniently engage in lap swimming.