Aqua Therapy: Can Water Workouts Turn Back the Clock on High Blood Pressure?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how thermo-mineral spring water exercise could be a game-changer for managing hypertension in aging women and why you should consider diving in."

Water immersion and hydrotherapy, commonly known as exercise in warm water, are popular recreational and therapeutic activities, particularly beneficial for elderly individuals. With studies showing that approximately one-quarter of Iranian adults are hypertensive, and with hypertension's prevalence increasing with age, innovative approaches to managing this condition are crucial. Traditionally defined as a persistent resting blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg, hypertension's control has been a significant focus in cardiovascular health.

The importance of hydrotherapy in managing hypertension has increasingly gained recognition. Evidence suggests that water-based exercises positively affect hypertension, leading researchers to explore how controlled temperature swimming pools can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Studies indicate that regular exercise in these conditions can lead to significant improvements in both clinic and 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, marking a promising step forward in alternative hypertension management.

Building on these findings, there is growing interest in understanding how different types of water and their mineral compositions affect physiological functions. While temperature and hydrostatic pressure are known factors, the specific impact of mineral substances in water is less clear. Research into waters rich in CO2 and NaCl suggests potential benefits in reducing blood pressure fluctuations, pointing to the sedative effects of such mineral interactions on the cardiovascular system. This emerging field calls for deeper investigation into how hydrotherapy in mineral-rich waters can optimize cardiovascular parameters, especially for those seeking gentler yet effective treatments.

Thermo-Mineral Spring Water: A Natural Ally Against Hypertension?

Women Relaxing in Mineral Hot Springs for Therapy

A recent study published in the Journal of Women & Aging explores the effects of exercise training in thermo-mineral spring water on hemodynamic and health-related factors in young-older hypertensive women. Conducted by Hamid Arazi, Reyhaneh Asadi, and Behzad Taati, the research investigates the potential benefits of an 8-week aerobic training program in mineral geothermal water.

The study aimed to evaluate how this specific exercise regimen impacts hemodynamic variables, VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition in sedentary hypertensive women. Twenty postmenopausal women, with an average age of 58.55 years, participated. They were divided into two groups: an exercise group, which trained two days a week for 30–40 minutes at 60%-75% of their maximum heart rate, and a control group, which maintained their regular sedentary habits. The findings revealed several significant health improvements among the women who participated in the water-based exercise program.

Significant Reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure: The exercise group showed a notable decrease in their systolic blood pressure compared to the control group.
Improved Heart Rate: Participants in the exercise group experienced a reduction in their heart rate.
Enhanced Rate Pressure Product: This measure, indicative of heart efficiency, also improved in the exercise group.
Reduced Body Fat Percent: The women saw a decrease in their body fat percentage, contributing to overall health improvement.
Increased VO2max Values: Demonstrating improved cardiovascular fitness, the exercise group displayed higher VO2max values, reflecting their enhanced ability to use oxygen efficiently.

These results suggest that aerobic training in thermo-mineral spring water is not only safe but also an effective modality for managing hypertension and improving overall cardiovascular health in young-older women. The combination of warm water, mineral content, and aerobic exercise provides a holistic approach to wellness, potentially offering a gentler yet effective alternative to traditional hypertension management methods.

Implications and Future Directions

The findings of this study underscore the potential benefits of integrating thermo-mineral spring water exercise into health management programs for postmenopausal hypertensive women. The reduction in systolic blood pressure, coupled with improvements in heart rate, body composition, and aerobic fitness, highlights a comprehensive approach to improving cardiovascular health. This type of exercise is particularly appealing because it is gentle, accessible, and can be easily incorporated into a wellness routine, making it a sustainable option for long-term health management. However, it's important to note that this study focused on a specific group of women in a particular geographic location. While the results are promising, they may not be generalizable to all populations. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and access to similar resources could influence the effectiveness of this treatment. Therefore, future studies should aim to include diverse groups of participants across different regions to validate these findings and explore the potential impact of environmental and cultural variables.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/08952841.2018.1547003, Alternate LINK

Title: Exercise Training In Thermo-Mineral Spring Water Has Beneficial Effects On Hemodynamic And Health-Related Factors In Young-Older Hypertensive Women: A Randomized Control Trial

Subject: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Journal: Journal of Women & Aging

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Hamid Arazi, Reyhaneh Asadi, Behzad Taati

Published: 2018-11-22

Everything You Need To Know

How does thermo-mineral spring water exercise specifically help lower blood pressure?

Thermo-mineral spring water exercise has shown promise in reducing systolic blood pressure, a key indicator of hypertension. A study focusing on young-older postmenopausal women demonstrated that regular aerobic training in thermo-mineral spring water led to a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to a control group. This reduction, combined with other improvements, highlights the potential of this approach as a complementary strategy for managing hypertension.

Beyond blood pressure, what other health improvements can be expected from thermo-mineral spring water exercise, based on the study?

The study mentioned in the text revealed improvements in heart rate, rate pressure product, body fat percentage, and VO2max values among participants who engaged in aerobic training in thermo-mineral spring water. Specifically, the exercise group experienced a reduction in heart rate, an enhanced rate pressure product (indicating improved heart efficiency), a decrease in body fat percentage, and increased VO2max values, demonstrating improved cardiovascular fitness. These factors collectively contribute to enhanced cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Are the benefits of thermo-mineral spring water exercise guaranteed for everyone, or are there factors that might influence its effectiveness?

While the study indicates the potential benefits of thermo-mineral spring water exercise, several factors could influence its effectiveness. Genetics, lifestyle, and access to similar resources can affect the treatment's outcome. Future research should include diverse groups of participants across different regions to validate the findings and explore the potential impact of environmental and cultural variables. Further investigations into the specific mineral compositions of different waters and their individual effects are also warranted.

What exactly does thermo-mineral spring water exercise entail, and how does it differ from regular water exercises or other hypertension management methods?

Thermo-mineral spring water exercise involves engaging in physical activity, such as aerobic training, in water sourced from thermo-mineral springs. This water is characterized by its warm temperature and rich mineral content, believed to have therapeutic properties. Combining the effects of warm water immersion, hydrostatic pressure, and mineral absorption with the benefits of aerobic exercise creates a holistic approach to improving cardiovascular health and managing hypertension. This exercise type is particularly appealing for those seeking a gentler and more accessible alternative to traditional methods.

Why is managing hypertension so important, and what are the potential consequences of not addressing high blood pressure effectively?

Hypertension, traditionally defined as a persistent resting blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg, poses significant cardiovascular health risks, particularly as its prevalence increases with age. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The study highlights the importance of finding effective management strategies and introduces thermo-mineral spring water exercise as a promising complementary approach for reducing blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health.