Abstracts Health Sciences

Aquatic Exercise Manual For Pregnancy

by Natalie Fleming

ABSTRACT AQUATIC EXERCISE MANUAL FOR PREGNANCY By Natalie Fleming Master of Science in Kinesiology Moderate to vigorous intensity exercise is recommended throughout pregnancy. But, women must be informed of the potential risks and problems associated with exercise during pregnancy. They must consult their clinicians about whether or not to exercise and about the form of exercise that is both safe and effective for them. An aquatic exercise offers a fun, safe and effective alternative to land-based exercises for pregnant women. An aquatic exercise helps pregnant women to stay physically active, and it is not detrimental to the health of the mother or the fetus. Research has shown that aquatic exercise during pregnancy reduces edema, arterial pressure and back pain while also helping to control body weight. Previous research has provided exercise guidelines and exercise protocols for land-based exercises for pregnant women. Despite the advantages and benefits of aquatic environment, no evidence-based aquatic exercise guidelines have been developed to provide this information to clinicians, local aquatic facilities and pregnant women. The purpose of this project is to introduce aquatic exercises and guidelines for pregnant women throughout pregnancy. It can provide reasonable exercise guidelines for clinicians, local aquatic facilities, and pregnant women. Advisors/Committee Members: Jara, Mai (advisor), Jung, Taeyou (committee member).