Although cardiac output may be less,
training intensity and physiological
overload is not compromised.
What’s happening in the brain?
So, what happens neurologically during
practice of MASME programs?
Research has shown that mindful practice
can re-wire the brain, which is comforting to
know in an age when technology and our
fast-paced lifestyles are taking up ‘mind
space’. Mindful practices have numerous
benefits, such as improving productivity,
emotional intelligence and mental health.
It may also help reduce insomnia, enhance
immunity, correct eating disorders, reduce
chronic pain and reverse ageing. The list
is expanding, with new studies surfacing
regularly. When brain scans measure the
grey matter after long term regular mindful
practice, they indicate that the areas
associated with concentration, memory and
senses improve, slowing down the ageing of
the brain. Mindfulness grows the area of the
brain responsible for memory and learning.
We have discussed how, during MASME
programs, blood flow is shunted upwards
from the lower limbs to the central thoracic
area as circulation increases throughout
the whole system. This, of course, includes
a greater flow of oxygen to the brain.
Interestingly enough though, when clients
participate for the first time in MASME
programs, they initially experience difficulty
with coordination, concentration and
balance. This is because the brain rewires
as it senses the limbs experiencing a mass
of resistance – an acclimatisation process
known as neuroplasticity. To quote from
Hebbie’s hypothesis, ‘The neurons that fire
together, wire together’. Becoming more
coordinated is essentially a matter of rewiring
the neural circuits that control movement,
and when the mind has spent most of the
day ‘patrolling agendas’ at a faster speed to
keep up with the internet age, slowing down
requires some shifting of gears.
According to neuroscientist Michael
Merzenich, the brain is constantly rewiring
itself, however shifting from a constant
gravity environment to a supportive
weightless buoyant environment challenges
not only coordination, but also stabilisation.
If anything it can be likened to leaving the
planet earth and venturing into an outer space
environment. The body naturally acclimatises
to recruit core stabilising muscles in the new
dynamic environment simply to maintain an
upright vertical position.
One of the most profound benefits achieved
through participating in MASME programs is
improved breathing and posture. Respiratory
function, oxygen consumption and core
stabilisation is considerably challenged when
moving vertically through the water. Studies
by Len Kravitz have shown that there are
significant improvements in VO2 max that
can be compared to the effects gained from
participating in chronic (regular and constantly
re-occurring) exercise on land.
MASME programs globally are catering for
a broad spectrum of clients, with astounding
results still being explored and studied.
There’s no denying though, that mindfulness
in water leads to a greater fluid focus.
The 30-second article
• Mindful aquatic slow movement
exercise (MASME) programs are
increasing in popularity
• The combination of warm water and
hydrostatic pressure lowers the heart
rate without reducing training
intensity or physiological overload
• Performing elements of mindful
movement practices in warm water
has a number of physiological and
psycho-emotional benefits, including
relaxation, increased range of
movement, pain relief, and improved
breathing, posture and stability.
Tanja Luck has over 20 years’ experience as an
active educator, with specific expertise in aquatic
exercise therapy and wellbeing programs. She
regularly delivers workshops to health professionals,
remote communities and staff in spa resorts. Tanja is
the founder of Aquawellbeing.com and the Health
and Wel lbeing Coordinator for vulnerable women’s
health care in WA.
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