Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training on Physical Performance and Mood States in Male Collegiate Soccer Players

Introduction/PurposeThis study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise training on the physical performance and mood states of male collegiate soccer players.MethodsTwenty male collegiate soccer players (age 19.9 +/- 0.9 yr) performed aquatic exercise training composed of warm-up exercises, high-intensity interval training, resistance training using tools, and cooldown activities. Training was performed for 30 min center dot d(-1), twice per week for 11 wk. Participants were randomly allocated to the training or control groups (n = 10 each). The participants' anthropometric measurements, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, change of direction, endurance performance, and mood states were assessed at baseline and after the 11-wk intervention period.ResultsAfter the intervention, the ROM of the shoulder and hip joints and the isokinetic and back muscle strength increased in the training group (P < 0.05 each). Significant group-time interaction effects was observed between the two groups in the ROM of the shoulder and hip joints and in isokinetic and back muscle strength (P < 0.05 each). The Profile of Mood States, Second Edition vigor-activity scores increased in the training group (19.3 +/- 6.4 to 24.5 +/- 5.6 points, P = 0.007), and a significant interaction effect for group-time was observed for vigor-activity between the two groups (P = 0.005).ConclusionsThese results suggest that aquatic exercise training helps improve ROM, muscle strength, and mood in male collegiate soccer players.