A water depth between the chest and shoulders is an ideal depth for most participants as it reduces impact on joints, decreases edema and increases viscoelasticity of muscles and connective tissue. At chest-to-shoulder depth, participants bear 35% of their body weight.
At waist depth, participants may need to modify impact to prevent injury. Additionally, this depth of water reduces the water’s ability to cool body temperatures during sustained exercise, so intensity levels should be carefully monitored. Participants with respiratory issues may not be comfortable being submerged to chest height and could have trouble breathing during water exercise. Thus, these participants may be more comfortable in water at waist level.
Water immersion to shoulders is recommended for participants with conditions affecting the back, hips or knees. At this depth, individuals will bear approximately 10% of their body weight. At this depth, participants may find it challenging to ground, as the buoyant effect of the water will facilitate floating toward the surface of the pool.