National Swimming Pool Foundation® Awards $247,000 Grant to Perform Aquatic Health Benefit Research

50% of NSPF® Grant Budget is allocated to Washington State University to study health benefits of water exercise. The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) has awarded its second grant of 2005 to Drs. Bruce Becker and Susan Dunlap at Washington State University. The $247,000 grant funds unprecedented research that will assess the impact of water exercise upon respiratory function.

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) August 17, 2005 -- The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) has awarded its second grant of 2005 to Drs. Bruce Becker and Susan Dunlap at Washington State University. The $247,000 grant funds unprecedented research that will assess the impact of water exercise upon respiratory function.

The researchers will explore health benefits unique to an aquatic exercise program versus a similar intensity and duration land-based program. Respiratory health will be a key metric; however, other health measures will also be monitored. The research may be applied to different age groups and may have implications to both healthy individuals and those with respiratory illness.

If aquatic exercise improves respiratory health to a greater extent than land-based training, then aquatic exercise may become a standard component of any basic athletic training program," says Dr. Becker. Literature supports that cardiovascular conditioning can occur, and that aerobic endurance improves, but no studies exist that show a rate of change, and no studies currently demonstrate the effect of aquatic exercise upon the respiratory system," adds Dr. Becker.

This grant benefits the public and the pool and spa industry in two very important ways," says Thomas M. Lachocki, CEO with the National Swimming Pool Foundation®. First, within a year, we may attain concrete information that will provide a foundation to craft health-benefit claims. Second, we will have facilitated the creation of an aquatic research center with equipment and scientists, at a leading university ... with the purpose of further exploring how aquatic activity in pools, or how immersion in spas, can benefit mankind," he continues.

The nation is mobilizing to combat obesity, heart disease and chronic disease that plague our children and aging population. Water activities provide a unique shield against some of these illnesses. By investing one half of its 2005 grant budget, the NSPF® is commissioning research that positions pools and spas to be a key defense in the war on disease."

Historically, NSPF® grants have focused on prevention of injury and disease," says Cory Willis, chairman, NSPF® Grant Review Committee. Beginning in 2004, the NSPF® Board directed that we fund prevention and health benefit research at similar levels," he adds. This grant gives us that balance. This is the second health benefit grant funded by the foundation in less than 12 months."

The first grant was issued to Dr. Elizabeth Nagle at the University of Pittsburgh who explored how a fairly short swim may predict aerobic fitness, a vital component of an individual's overall health. Dr. Nagle will report on results of her study at the upcoming World Aquatic Health Conference, September 19-21, at City of Industry, California. Additionally, Dr. Becker (along with Drs. Cole and Egstrom) will spotlight the existing knowledge related to aquatic health benefits for both pool and hot tub users, including cardiovascular, arthritis, spinal pain and improved performance benefits.

Washington State University ranks among the top 50 public research institutions in the nation by US News and World Report in 2003. The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965, committed to improving public health by encouraging healthier living through aquatic education and research. The foundation works toward its mission with educational products like the Aquatic Safety Compendium, Certified Pool-Spa Operator® training, Certified Pool-Spa Inspector training and the World Aquatic Health Conference. The foundations Certified Pool-Spa Operator® (CPO®) program is the leading international education and certification program for pool and spa operators, providing frontline defense to protect the public. The board of directors of the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) voted to allocate $500,000 in research grants, fellowships and scholarships for the year 2005, a 44% increase over year 2004, when NSPF® allocated a total of $347,000. Information about NSPF® grant applications, scholarships, fellowships and educational programs is available at www.nspf.org.        

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