From The Deep End · ATU Blog

The Brain vs. The Brain in water

What recent studies and systematic reviews say about aquatic exercise for memory, attention, mood and long-term brain health.

By Andrea Salzman, MS, PT2 min read

  • Neuro
  • Mental Health
  • Older Adults
  • Research
First published December 30, 2024 on atuseminars.com

We often talk about what the pool does for joints, muscles and the heart. This post looks at the brain: what recent research says about thinking, mood and well-being when people exercise in water.

Want to go deeper? Explore the Aquatic Therapy and Psychosocial Health course →

A man swims underwater toward the camera.
Recent research links time in the pool with sharper thinking and a better mood.

Aquatic therapy offers several cognitive benefits, as supported by recent studies and systematic reviews:

  1. Enhancement of Cognitive Functions: Regular participation in aquatic exercises has been shown to improve various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and executive functions. A systematic review highlighted that chronic aquatic exercise training effectively enhances cognitive outcomes in individuals.

  2. Reduction of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms: Engaging in aquatic therapy can lead to significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that aquatic exercise interventions statistically significantly improved mental health, suggesting benefits for mood enhancement and anxiety reduction.

  3. Improvement in Mood and Psychological Well-being: Aquatic exercise has been associated with improvements in mood and overall psychological well-being. The buoyancy and resistance properties of water provide a unique environment that can enhance mental health outcomes.

  4. Feasibility and Accessibility for Diverse Populations: Aquatic therapy is feasible and beneficial for various populations, including older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. Its low-impact nature makes it accessible for those who may have limitations with land-based exercises, thereby promoting cognitive health across diverse groups.

  5. Potential Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that aquatic exercise may have neuroprotective effects, potentially contributing to the maintenance of cognitive function and delay of cognitive decline associated with aging. While more research is needed, initial findings indicate promising benefits.

Incorporating aquatic therapy into regular exercise routines can thus provide multifaceted benefits for brain health.

Frequently asked questions

What cognitive benefits can aquatic exercise offer?

The research reviewed here links regular water exercise with better memory, attention and executive function (Salzman, 2024).

Can aquatic exercise ease anxiety and depression?

Yes. Studies summarized in this post report meaningful drops in anxiety and depression symptoms with aquatic therapy (Salzman, 2024).

Who can benefit from aquatic therapy for brain health?

Older adults and people with neurological conditions are among the groups for whom it is feasible and beneficial (Salzman, 2024).

References

  1. Becker, B. E. (2020). Aquatic therapy in contemporary neurorehabilitation: an update. Pm&r, 12(12), 1251-1259.
  2. Campos, D. M., Ferreira, D. L., Goncalves, G. H., Farche, A. C. S., de Oliveira, J. C., & Ansai, J. H. (2021). Effects of aquatic physical exercise on neuropsychological factors in older people: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 96, 104435.
  3. Dias, C. P., da Paixäo, M. C. A., & Nobre, A. H. (2021). The impact of aquatic psychomotricity on motor and cognitive function in elderly people with stroke sequels. Health science journal, 15(9), 1-5.
  4. Dunlap, E., Alhalimi, T., McLaurin, N., Foroughi, F., Hsiao, H. Y., & Tanaka, H. (2024). Aquatic Cognitive–Motor Exercise for Cognition, Balance, and Functional Mobility in Older Adults. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 9(3), e000257.
  5. Pérez-de la Cruz, S. (2020). Influence of an aquatic therapy program on perceived pain, stress, and quality of life in chronic stroke patients: a randomized trial. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(13), 4796.
  6. van de Rakt, J., & Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). Physical treatment (Hydrotherapy) by individuals with and without dementia. Aquatic exercising. Part 1. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, 9(19).

How to cite this article

First published December 30, 2024 on atuseminars.com · Last updated October 19, 2026 · Permanent URL: https://www.aquatictherapyuniversity.com/blog/the-brain-vs-the-brain-in-water

How to cite

Salzman, A. (2024, December 30). The Brain vs. The Brain in water. Aquatic Therapy University Blog. ATU Educational Services, LLC. https://www.aquatictherapyuniversity.com/blog/the-brain-vs-the-brain-in-water

Permissions: You may quote and cite this article with attribution. Reproducing or adapting the full article requires written permission from ATU Educational Services, LLC.

For education only; not a substitute for individual clinical judgment.