CALA
Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc.
Handout
Body 3: Joints
Basic Facts About Joints
A joint is the meeting place of two or more bones.
A joint is often referred to as an articulation
because the bones can move (articulate) with
respect to each other.
There are three primary classifications of
joints:
Fibrous - little or no movement. Examples: the
joint between distal end of tibia and fibula and the
sutures of skull;
o Cartilaginous: little or no movement. Examples:
the joint between the pubic bones and between the ribs and
sternum;
o Synovial: most common, movable joint, contains a joint capsule,
synovial membrane, hyaline cartilage, ligaments and synovial fluid.
Examples: knee hip, elbow and ankle.
o
Synovial joints are further classified into several types according to their
actions. Two types important in aquafitness exercises are:
o
o
Ball and socket joint: shoulder and hip
Hinge joint: knee and elbow
Aquafitness and the Joints
Aquafitness is an exercise medium that facilitates decrease joint loading
and increased joint space. This has a positive effect on joint ROM.
Buoyancy reduces gravity and decreases the compressive forces and
friction within joints.
The amount of gravitational force compressing the joints decreases as
depth of immersion increases.
CALA. 125 Lilian Dr., Toronto, ON M1R 3W6.
Tel: (416) 751- 9823 . 1 888-751-9823. Fax: (416) 755-1832 [email protected] . www.calainc.org
Page 1 of 2
This material is copyright to CALA and may not be reproduced for sale or personal gain without the written permission of CALA. It
may be reproduced for distribution to your participants or post on a facility bulletin board, but must remain intact with the CALA
name, address and logo appearing as it does in this document.
CALA
Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc.
Handout
Body 3: Joints
Chest deep aquafitness classes have variable amounts of impact,
depending upon the buoyancy options selected for movement.
Propulsive movements may result in substantial impact
forces. Light bounce and anchored movements will cause
much lower forces on the bones and joints.
Suspended movements eliminate all impact.
Participants may experience increased range
and comfort of movement while stretching
and exercising in the water compared to on
land.
Hydrostatic pressure gently shrinks swollen/inflamed joints, easing pain
and allowing greater ROM.
Some movements may put unhealthy pressure on hinge joints. For
example, ‘whip kick’ or ‘egg beater’ are not recommended for aquafitness
due to the lateral forces these movements place on the knee joint.
Athletes from race horses to world class sprinters are trained and also
rehabilitated using deep water exercise.
Deep water cross training allows athletes to maintain the intensity of their
training while minimizing the chances of injuries associated with impact
and joint strain.
CALA. 125 Lilian Dr., Toronto, ON M1R 3W6.
Tel: (416) 751- 9823 . 1 888-751-9823. Fax: (416) 755-1832 [email protected] . www.calainc.org
Page 2 of 2
This material is copyright to CALA and may not be reproduced for sale or personal gain without the written permission of CALA. It
may be reproduced for distribution to your participants or post on a facility bulletin board, but must remain intact with the CALA
name, address and logo appearing as it does in this document.