Aquatic HIIT Can Help People With Diabetes, Arthritis & Other Conditions

A new study published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found beneficial effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training (AHIIT) on exercise capacity (the maximum amount of physical exertion that a person can sustain) in adults with chronic health conditions.

The review collected data from 18 studies that included 868 participants who reported at least one chronic health condition, including chronic musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological conditions. Arthritis, heart disease, asthma, obesity, and diabetes were a few of the most common conditions reported.

After analyzing the evidence, researchers concluded that "a wide range of people with chronic conditions found beneficial effects of AHIIT on exercise capacity, some with multiple conditions."

Aquatic HIIT provides an alternative to land-based HIIT, which is notoriously hard on the muscles and joints. Like traditional HIIT, it combines aerobic and strength training exercises that get the heart pumping, followed by recovery periods. 

HIIT moves like jumping jacks, scissor kicks, squats, and butt kicks, can all be completed in the pool—and may even be more enjoyable there. The benefit of doing these exercises in the pool comes from the added buoyancy. The way your body moves in the water ensures there's less pressure and harsh impact on the joints, which can be helpful for those with limited mobility. 

While this study found that those with chronic conditions may be able to better tolerate AHIIT1, it didn't look into how their bodies responded to it in terms of muscle gains or aerobic fitness. As for long-term strength benefits, we'll need more research to compare the two exercise forms.