Land vs. Water Exercises on Performance and Swimming Behavior in Older Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined land and aquatic exercise program (conducted 3 days per week) on physical performance, recreational swimming behaviors, and water-related risk perceptions in older adults. Physical performance is evaluated using handgrip strength and the 30-second chair sit-up test (30CST), while swimming behaviors and water-related risk perceptions are assessed via structured questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria: Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older Able to participate independently in land and shallow-water exercise programs Able to understand and respond to survey questions and assessment protocols Willing to provide written informed consent prior to study participation Exclusion Criteria: Presence of severe or unstable cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic conditions contraindicating moderate exercise Acute or severe orthopedic, musculoskeletal, or neurological impairments restricting participation in physical testing or exercise sessions Open skin lesions, severe infectious diseases, or incontinence preventing participation in aquatic activities Severe cognitive impairment precluding comprehension of instructions or safe execution of exercise protocols