Self-reported physical activity level, emotions, feelings and self-perception of older active women: is the water-based exercise a better enhancer of psychophysical condition?

Background Aquatic exercise programs can enhance health and improve functional fitness in older people, while there is limited evidence about the efficacy of aquatic-exercise programs on improving well-being and quality of life. Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a supervised water fitness program on subjective well-being in older women. Methods The study group included 166 active older women (> 65 years), divided into water-based (WFG) and land-based (CG) training groups. They filled out 3 questionnaires to assess their amount of physical activity (IPAQ), subjective well-being (PANAS) and mental and physical health status (SF-12). Results Results showed that subjective well-being, physical activity level, perceived mental and physical status had higher values in the WFG compared to CG. Conclusions We found that older women practicing water fitness tend to have a better subjective physical and mental well-being than those who exercise in a land-based context.