Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Making an Impact on World Health: Focusing
Aquatic Research Toward the Big Issues
Becker, B (1)
(1) National Aquatics & Sports Medicine Institute, Spokane, Washington, USA
beckerb@wsu.edu
Introduction and Objectives
Aquatic immersion and activity has tremendous potential to make a positive impact
on the health status of the world, yet remains underutilized and insufficiently
researched. Given the current limited state of international research funding, it is
essential to focus upon those areas that may have the greatest public health benefit
for aquatic immersion and activity. This discussion will explore those areas having
the most important research potential for public health benefits, in hopes of facilitating
a coordinated approach to improving awareness and utilization of aquatics.
Materials and Methods
In the talk, I will review the current aquatic research literature, which reveals
support for major health benefits for cardiovascular health, osteoarthritis, and
chronic pain syndromes. In addition, there is some basic science support for aquatic
benefits in the following:
a. Cardiac Function
i. Cardiac Rehabilitation including Post-Myocardial Infarction and Congestive
Heart Failure management
ii. Vascular elasticity, vascular responsiveness
b. Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
i. Blood glucose and insulin management
ii. Cytokine effects on inflammation
iii. Cardiorespiratory function during training
iv. Autonomic function during immersion
v. Weight loss / lean muscle mass gain
c. Affective Disorders
i. Depression and anxiety disorders
ii. Post-traumatic stress disorder
iii. Attention Deficit Disorder
d. Respiratory Disease
i. Asthma management
ii. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease rehabilitation
iii. Neurologic disorders (spinal cord injury, dystrophies)
iv. Athletic cross-training
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 85-86
85
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4