Physical Activities, Antioxidants, Thalassotherapy, and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Aging is a natural biological process characterized by the decline in functional capacity associated with changes in the autonomy, physical disability, social isolation and health of the elderly.

Instituting a generalized and controlled physical activity practice in the elderly is essential for physical and cognitive balance. It should be noted that the practice of exercises in water showed a lower risk of bone fractures and a reduction in the exposure of the joints to stress and impact in relation to exercises practiced on land. This activity is highly recommended for the elderly, especially those with movement limitations. Hydrotherapy involves a set of exercises with therapeutic, physiological and kinesiological effects obtained by immersing the body in a swimming pool with heated water. Considering the physical properties and the temperature of the water, the exercises contribute to improving and maintaining the range of motion of the joints, the relaxation and reduction of muscle tension, the improvement of cardiovascular fitness and the reduction of pain. It is known that low-intensity aquatic exercise programs benefit levels of oxidative stress, anxiety, functional autonomy, and inflammation, in addition to alleviating symptoms in individuals with musculoskeletal diseases.

One consequence of oxidative stress is cellular aging due to the accumulation of tissue damage caused by free radicals. The regular practice of physical activity counteracts the harmful effects caused by aging, exerting antioxidant functions. The antioxidant system is divided into enzymatic and non-enzymatic aspects. The enzymatic system is composed of enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase constitute the main system against reactive oxygen species. The non-enzymatic antioxidant system provides direct protection to the body against oxidative damage and enhances the function of the enzyme system.

Thalassotherapy is defined as the combined use of the preventive and therapeutic purposes of seawater and sea-derived products under counseling and medical supervision inside the adequate facilities of establishments located nearby the sea. Human health benefits provided by thalassotherapy result from the minerals, either dissolved in seawater or participating in the chemical composition of sea-derived products: seaweeds, marine peloids, salts, as well as the marine environment and climatotherapy. Thalassotherapy includes different techniques, such as marine aerosols, bathtubs, jets, swimming pool exercises, and seaweed or marine mud wraps, among others.

With the positive effects on the prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation of diseases, research on physical activity is considered interesting as evidence to be applied in effective health promotion programs for the benefit of the general population.

Prof. Dr. Ana Valado
Prof. Dr. Leonel Pereira
Prof. Dr. María Lourdes Mourelle
Guest Editors

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• hydrotherapy
• aging
• ROS
• exercise
• seawater treatments
• nutrition