# Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Dynamic Balance in Young Adult Smokers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

## TL;DR

A pilot study suggests that aquatic exercise may improve lung function and balance in young smokers, but more research is needed.

## Contribution

This is the first pilot RCT to explore aquatic exercise effects on pulmonary function and balance in young adult smokers.

## Key findings

- Aquatic exercise showed significant improvements in vital capacity and tidal volume in young smokers.
- Dynamic balance improved significantly under single- and double-leg conditions after aquatic exercise.
- No significant changes were observed in FEV1, FVC, or FEV1/FVC ratio.

## Abstract

Background: Smoking is a major public health concern worldwide and is associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function, postural control, and overall physical performance. Aquatic exercise has gained increasing attention as a safe and effective training modality due to its unique physical properties. However, evidence regarding the effects of aquatic exercise on pulmonary function and dynamic balance in young adult smokers remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week aquatic exercise training program on pulmonary function parameters and dynamic balance performance in young adult smokers. Methods: Twenty-two physically inactive male smokers were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 11). The experimental group participated in an aquatic exercise program three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. Pulmonary function parameters, including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, PIF, MVV, VC, TV, and IVC, were assessed using spirometers. Dynamic balance performance was evaluated using a portable dynamic balance platform under single-leg (right and left) and double-leg conditions. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Statistically significant time × group interaction effects were observed for vital capacity (VC) (p = 0.033, η2p = 0.378) and tidal volume (TV) (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.734), suggesting potentially greater changes in the experimental group compared to the control group. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) demonstrated significant main effects of time (p = 0.047) and group (p = 0.031). Dynamic balance performance showed statistically significant time × group interaction effects across right-leg, left-leg, and bilateral conditions (p < 0.01), with large effect sizes (η2p = 0.762, 0.609, and 0.507, respectively). However, given the pilot nature and limited sample size of the study, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary. No significant changes were observed in FEV1, FVC, or FEV1/FVC ratio. Conclusions: This pilot randomized trial suggests that an 8-week aquatic exercise program is feasible and may produce preliminary improvements in selected pulmonary function parameters and dynamic balance in young adult smokers. Larger, adequately powered trials are required to confirm these findings.