Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) – Aquatic Exercise Program Leader Practice Test

The resistance encountered while submerged is primarily influenced by the size and shape of the body, as well as the speed at which it moves through the water. When an object is submerged, larger surfaces can create more drag due to their size, while the shape determines how water flows around it. Streamlined shapes tend to experience less resistance compared to irregular shapes. Furthermore, the speed of movement affects resistance; the faster an object moves through the water, the greater the resistance it encounters due to increased friction and disruption of water flow around it. This understanding of hydrodynamics is crucial in aquatic exercise, especially for individuals seeking to manage conditions like arthritis, where water provides resistance that can be beneficial for strengthening and rehabilitation without placing stress on the joints.