The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a swimming programme and a calisthenics and resistance water training programme, which included aerobic and resistance components, on muscle strength and body weight in postmenopausal women. Both were carried out over a period of 12 months. Ninety-three subjects were randomly assigned to swimming group (SG; n = 29), calisthenics and resistance group (CRG; n = 34) and control group (CG; n = 30). Mean upper-extremities biokinetic force (MF), power (MP) and work (MW) were measured by a biokinetic swim bench (Biometer Swim Bench, Sport Fahnemann). Maximal isometric forces of the trunk flexors (ITF) and knee extensors (IKE) were measured by an isometric strain-gauge dynamometer (TKK 5,402, Takei Scientific Instruments Co Ltd). Countermovement jump height (CMJ) was evaluated using the Ergojump Bosco System. Energy consumption was measured using a self-administrated food frequency questionnaire (Sanocare Human Systems LS, Madrid, Spain). Body mass index (BMI) was also measured. CRG improved significantly (p <= 0.05) MF increased by 7.92%, MP by 9.08% and MWby 9.3%. SG and CRG demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI (-2.08 and -2.75% respectively). SG, CRG and CG showed a significant decrease in ITF (-5.07, -11.34 and -24.73% respectively) and IKE (-7.99, -12.77 and -29.75% respectively). This decrease was significantly greater in CG compared with SG and CRG. There were no significant changes in CMJ in any group. These results indicate that water exercise has significant implications, improving some health-related components of fitness in postmenopausal women.

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