EXERCISE AND COLON CANCER

A study published online in the February 10 issue of the British Journal of Cancer (2009; 100, 611–16) has determined that regular exercisers are 24% less likely to develop colon cancer than those who exercise the least.

OSTEOPOROSIS AND WATER EXERCISE

Osteoporosis, a degenerative disease commonly referred to as adult  bone loss, is associated with 1.5 million bone fractures (generally  of the hip, spine or wrist) each year. Previously it was believed  that only specific land-based, weight bearing activities could  counteract bone loss, however research indicates that shallow water aquatic exercise is a viable method for building and  maintaining bone mass.  It appears that in spite of the reduction in body mass that occurs in shallow water exercise  programs, the viscosity of the water offers adequate resistance to produce positive results.  So in addition to walking, stair climbing and weight training, vertical water exercise can be  beneficial in maintaining both strong muscular and skeletal systems.  Water exercise can also enhance balance,  
coordination, posture and performance skills thus reducing the risk of falls and injury. [References: AEA Aquatic
Fitness Professional  Manual and AEA Aquatic Fitness Research Journal, 2005, Volume 2, Number  1]

BOTH WATER AND LAND-BASED REHAB SAME AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

A short-term, clinically pragmatic program of either land-based or water-based rehabilitation delivered in the early phase after Total Knee Replacement was associated with comparable outcomes at the end of the program and up to 26 weeks postsurgery.

(Harmer AR, Naylor JM, Crosbie J, Russell T. Land-based versus water-based rehabilitation following total knee replacement: a randomized, single-blind trial. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2009 Feb 15;61(2):184-191.)