Although the effects of long-term aerobic aquatic exercise training on skeletal muscle mass in the older adults are unknown, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aquatic exercise training, which lasted approximately 3 years, compared to land-based exercise. The study also aimed to determine the effects of one year of detraining with COVID-19 disasters. Twenty-two older adults (mean age 70 yrs) in the water exercise training group (WTG) and 18 older adults (mean age 72 yrs) in the land-based group (LTG), who trained in the group for aerobic exercise twice a week fo 45 min each time for about 3 years, were included in this study. Body composition and some physical fitness parameters were measured six times during the training period and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was compared. These measurements were taken again one year after training was terminated due to the COVID-19 infection. Data from those with at least 60% training participation were used in the analysis (WTG: n=20, LTG: n=17). Comparison of the means of each of the six measurements, three in the first half and three in the second half, showed a significant decrease in SMI in the second half of both WTG and LTG compared to the first half (WTG: 6.77±0.89kg/m2 in the first half, 6.69±0.89 kg/m2 in the second half, p<0.05, LTG: first half 6.33±0.73 kg/m2, second half 6.26±0.74 kg/m2, p<0.05). However, due to the COVID-19 disasters after training, only LTG was significantly lower than the second half in the data measured one year later (WTG: 6.68±0.87 kg/m2, LTG: 6.14±0.74 kg/m2, p<0.05). In training of the older adults, when they performed mainly aerobic exercise for approximately 3 years, both water and land exercises showed similar decreases in skeletal muscle mass, but WTG tended to maintain skeletal muscle mass during the period when group training was suspended in the COVID-19 disaster. And in grip strength, which reflects muscle function, WTG also maintained between detraining. Further verification of the factors related to the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass during detraining is needed, but the results suggest that long-term water exercise has advantages over land exercise in the maintenance of muscle mass.
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