Improving functional and motor capacity through means/resources and methods specific to acvatic activities

Abstract

Introduction. Exercise programs in the aquatic environment have as their main objective the improvement and maintenance of
physical capacity/ capability, these being in continuous development and diversification. Water exercise amplifies the effects of
general physical exercise, by allowing a more precise control over the movement of each body segment and of the body as a
whole. The aquatic environment offers a number of beneficial effects compared to ones offered by the terrestrial environment. The
benefits obtained through the aquatic activities are fundamental and are reflected throughout the entire body including both motor,
functional and aesthetic level. Material and method. The objective of this study is represented by the identification of new forms
of physical exercise that will increase the effort’s capacity. In order to achieve this goal, several methodological requirements were
met, such as: successive engagement of the joints and muscle groups in effort (starting with the neck’s muscles, shoulders, arms,
torso and legs, simultaneously with scapular-humeral joints, spine and coxo-femoral joints and legs), the gradually usage of
exercises, starting with the most basic and then increasing the complexity of the exercises, the usage of the accessible exercises in
the beginning of the training, executed with high amplitude and reduced speed, focusing on the correctness of the execution, the
selection and the adequate/ appropriately usage of the initial positions according to the subject’s particularities and the shape/form
of the exercise, the optimal control of the effort, achieved through a number of iterations, optimal execution time and breaks, the
sets of general physical exercises will consist of sets of 8-12 exercises/reps, the principle of symmetry in the execution of the
exercises has to be respected, the continuity of practicing a set of exercises for 6 to 8 consecutive lessons, the recommended work
method is fragmented-imitative, efficiently combining the explication with the demonstration, the number of repetitions and the
movement’s correction. Results and discussions. Analyzing results obtained after the evaluation, we have noticed significant
growth in the functional and motor capacities. Conclusions. The systematization of water activities on objective criteria
effectively contributes to their knowledge, while allowing them to be included in the spectrum of recreational, sporting, relaxing
or therapeutic activities.