Bernoulli’s Principle of Turbulence

December 13,2011

A participant with arthritis once said, “I may not be able to do this on land but I can do it in the water.” This translates to muscles can be utilized and remain vital. Exercised bodies release what I call, “happy hormones.” One of the reasons why you feel so much better after exercise is because of these “happy hormones.”

In the water Bernoulli’s Principle of Turbulence enhances the body’s activity because it creates resistance around the body. When the body moves through water pressure builds up in the front and a negative pressure (turbulence) is created behind the body dragging it backwards. Just the simple act of walking in the pool begins to strengthen the muscles of stabilization. These are the muscles used in balance and the muscles that support our bodies.

Turbulence can be enhanced by moving faster, changing the depth, and using longer limb movements such as running verses a cross country ski.

Weakened bodies can be gently strengthened. The athlete can offer their body a change of pace. Water can be a medium for increasing strength and speed without the impact as well as a place to rehabilitate.

Theresa