Effects of a 4-Week Hot Spring Aquatic Exercise Program on Respiratory Function and InBody Index in Individuals with Nonspecific Knee Pain

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a four-week hot spring aquatic exercise program on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and InBody index in individuals with nonspecific knee pain. A total of 24 participants (mean age: 63.47 ± 8.5 years) were included in the study, engaging in a hot spring aquatic exercise program twice a week for 60 minutes per session. The program consisted of therapeutic stretching, aerobic exercise, and resistance training. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were assessed using forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). In addition, the InBody index, including body fat mass (BFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM), was analyzed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and compared using a paired t-test. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. The results demonstrated significant improvements in FVC (p<0.05), MIP (p<0.05), and MEP (p<0.05) after the four-week intervention, indicating enhanced pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. Furthermore, BFM and body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased (p<0.05), while SMM did not show any significant changes. These findings suggest that hot spring aquatic exercise may have a positive effect on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with nonspecific knee pain and could serve as a viable rehabilitation alternative with minimal joint stress.