The long-term effects of Stand-up Paddle Boarding: A case study

Introduction: The association between inactivity and poor
quality of life has been well documented. A major barrier to
exercise is a perceived lack of time and lack of enjoyment
of exercise modalities. Stand up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is
an aquatic physical activity deemed easy to learn, enjoyable
with a reported multitude of both physiological and psychological
benefits. The long-term effects of participation in
SUP however are unclear.
Case presentation: Two middle-aged participants (1 male,
58 yrs and 1 female, 58 yrs) over one year after continual
SUP training. Participants were assessed for mass, Body
Composition (BIA) and aerobic fitness, trunk muscle endurance
using prone, side bridging and the Biering Sorensen
and a self-rated quality of life questionnaire (WHO QoLBREF).
Results: After 12 months, the male lost 6.8 kg (- 8.0%), decreased
his body fat by 5% (Baseline level = 27.1%-Week
52 = 23.7%), and reduced his BMI by 7.34%. The female
lost 3.7 kg (- 6.5%), had a 6.6% decrease in body fat (Baseline
level = 27.1%-Week 52 = 21.5%) and reduced her BMI
by 13.3%. Trunk muscle endurance improved by 70% overall
in the male and 147.5% overall in the female. Aerobic
fitness improved by 25.0% in the male (+ 5.5 ml/kg/min) and
42.3% in the female (+ 12.2 ml/kg/min). Self-rated quality of
life improved in the male 84.1%, 33.9%, 50.0%, and 28.6%
and in the female by 17.4%, 33.9%, 25.3% and 27.5% in
the physical, psychological, social relationships and environment
domains respectively.
Discussion: Long-term participation in SUP appears to
be associated with improvements in overall mass, body
composition, aerobic fitness, trunk muscle endurance and
self-rated quality of life. Given the documented long-term
physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of
SUP and its relative ease and accessibility, it appears to be
a novel but beneficial exercise tool, which could be promoted
for its wide range of positive health and fitness effects.