The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prolonged steady state swimming with a wetsuit, on thermoregulatory and behavioural responses, in water of 25°C. Ten male swimmers participated in two 75-min swim trials, in one wearing a neoprene wetsuit (WS), and the other a conventional swimsuit (SS). The swimming intensity was controlled at 70% of swimmers’ critical velocity (CV). Core (Tcore) and skin (Tsk) temperature, heart rate (HR), and behavioural modulators, were measured before, during and after swimming. A 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures with aFisher’s 2SD test was used for multiple comparisons and a paired t-test with a Tukey post hoc analysis for pre and post measurements at p< 0.05. The results demonstrated an interaction of Tcore (p = 0.039), between time in the water and type of garment worn. Tcore with the WS initially increased until the 45^th min and plateaued, while with the SS was continuously decreasing. HR was lower during swimming with the WS and higher with the SS. Thermal sensation and thermal comfort, were more favourable with the WS (p < 0.05). Thus, WS use during prolonged swimming, helped maintain Tcore levels, and improved thermal perceptions, at 25 °C.

Article: The impact of water temperature on fatigue and cardiovascular responses during exhaustive aquatic exercise - Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2018 June;177(6):284-92 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Objectives: Thoracic kyphosis is a common postural condition associated with impaired functional performance, reduced balance, and lower levels of physical activity. Women may be particularly susceptible due to age-related musculoskeletal and hormonal changes. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week aquatic Pilates program on thoracic alignment, functional performance, and self-reported physical activity in women aged 55–65 years with thoracic kyphosis. Methods: Twenty women aged 55–65 years with thoracic kyphosis were randomly allocated to an Aquatic Pilates intervention group (n = 10) or a non-exercising control group (n = 10). Participants in the intervention group completed supervised aquatic Pilates sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a DeBrunner kyphometer, the Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT), and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Data were analyzed using 2 × 2 mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA. The trial was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07674251). Results: A significant group × time interaction was observed for thoracic kyphosis angle, F_1,18 = 66.31, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.786), with the Aquatic Pilates group showing a reduction from 42.6° ± 3.4° to 40.7° ± 3.1°. Significant improvements were also observed in the analyzed mPPT functional tasks (all p < 0.001). PASE scores showed a statistically significant group × time interaction (F_1,18 = 9.48, p = 0.006, partial η² = 0.345), with the Aquatic Pilates group showing an increase compared to the control group. Conclusions: Participation in a 12-week aquatic Pilates program was associated with improvements in thoracic kyphosis, functional performance as assessed by the mPPT, and self-reported physical activity in women aged 55–65 years with thoracic kyphosis.