Article

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the vertical and anteroposterior components of the ground
reaction force during shallow water running at 2 levels of immersion. SUBJECTS:
Twenty-two healthy adults with no gait disorders, who were familiar with aquatic
exercises. METHODS: Subjects performed 6 trials of water running at a
self-selected speed in chest and hip immersion. Force data were collected through
an underwater force plate and running speed was measured with a photocell timing
light system. Analysis of covariance was used for data analysis. RESULTS:
Vertical forces corresponded to 0.80 and 0.98 times the subject's body weight at
the chest and hip level, respectively. Anteroposterior forces corresponded to
0.26 and 0.31 times the subject's body weight at the chest and hip level,
respectively. As the water level decreased the subjects ran faster. No
significant differences were found for the force values between the immersions,
probably due to variability in speed, which was self-selected. CONCLUSION: When
thinking about load values in water running professionals should consider not
only the immersion level, but also the speed, as it can affect the force
components, mainly the anteroposterior one. Quantitative data on this subject
could help professionals to conduct safer aqua-tic rehabilitation and physical
conditioning protocols.

Langue : ANGLAIS