AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) flashcards
AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Buoyancy in chest-deep water
- At chest depth, water buoyancy supports approximately 60-75% of body weight, reducing joint impact and making movements easier than on land.
- Hydrostatic pressure effect
- Hydrostatic pressure in water increases venous return and cardiac output, often lowering heart rate by 10-15 bpm compared to land at the same perceived exertion.
- Water temperature for fitness
- Aquatic fitness classes are typically held at 83-86°F (28-30°C) for moderate intensity; therapeutic pools are warmer at 88-92°F (31-33°C).
- Shallow water exercise definition
- Shallow water exercise is performed with feet in contact with the pool bottom, typically at waist to chest depth, allowing for jumping and rebounding.
- Deep water exercise definition
- Deep water exercise is performed with feet not touching the bottom, using flotation equipment to maintain vertical alignment and support the body.
- Drag resistance principle
- Drag force increases with the square of velocity; doubling movement speed in water quadruples resistance, allowing for progressive overload without equipment.
- Neutral spine alignment
- Neutral spine maintains the natural curves of the back; in water, avoid hyperextension by engaging core muscles during supine and prone exercises.
- Talk test for intensity
- The talk test gauges exercise intensity by the ability to converse; in water, it is more reliable than heart rate due to blunted cardiac response.
- Music tempo for shallow water
- Shallow water classes typically use music at 120-150 beats per minute; tempo should match the desired intensity and participant skill level.
- Music tempo for deep water
- Deep water classes often use music at 120-140 beats per minute; slower tempos help maintain balance and control without foot contact.
- Aquatic exercise progression
- Progression in water can be achieved by increasing speed, adding impact, using equipment, or moving to deeper water to increase resistance and challenge.
- Aquatic cool-down purpose
- A cool-down in water gradually reduces heart rate and promotes flexibility; include slow movements and static stretches for major muscle groups.
- Lifeguard-to-participant ratio
- A common safety ratio is one lifeguard per 25 participants in shallow water; in deep water, consider one lifeguard per 15 participants.
- Emergency action plan (EAP)
- An EAP outlines procedures for rescue, emergency care, summoning help, and evacuation; it must be practiced regularly and known by all staff.
- Pre-activity screening
- Screening participants with tools like the PAR-Q identifies health risks; instructors should require medical clearance when indicated.
- CPR/AED certification requirement
- Aquatic fitness instructors must hold current CPR/AED and first aid certifications; lifeguards must be on duty and not teaching.
- Pool hazard inspection
- Before each class, inspect the pool bottom for hazards, check water clarity, and ensure depth markings are visible and accurate.
- Informed consent
- Informed consent ensures participants understand risks and benefits; it is a key risk management tool and should be documented.
- Scope of practice
- Aquatic fitness professionals must work within their training; they do not diagnose or treat medical conditions, but may adapt exercise for safety.
- Incident documentation
- All incidents and injuries should be documented promptly; records help identify patterns and improve safety protocols.
- EAP drill frequency
- Emergency action plan drills should be conducted at least quarterly to ensure staff readiness and identify gaps in procedures.
- Water clarity standard
- Water must be clear enough to see the pool bottom at its deepest point; poor clarity increases risk of missing a submerged victim.
- Deck safety rules
- Rules such as no running on deck, no diving in shallow water, and appropriate footwear reduce slip and fall injuries.
- Professional certification maintenance
- Instructors must keep certifications current through continuing education; AEA and other bodies require periodic renewal.
- Facility policy adherence
- Instructors must follow facility policies, including emergency procedures, pool rules, and equipment use guidelines.
- Risk management plan
- A risk management plan identifies potential hazards, implements controls, and includes regular review to reduce liability and improve safety.
- Aquatic equipment safety check
- Before use, inspect flotation belts, noodles, and other equipment for wear; damaged equipment should be removed from service.
- Supervision in aquatic fitness
- Instructors must maintain visual supervision of all participants; never turn your back on the class, especially in deep water.
- Hydration in water exercise
- Participants can dehydrate in water; encourage drinking water before, during, and after class, even if not thirsty.
- Aquatic fitness class structure
- A typical class includes warm-up (5-10 min), aerobic conditioning (20-30 min), muscular conditioning (10-15 min), and cool-down (5-10 min).
- Water depth for shallow class
- Shallow water classes are typically held at waist to chest depth (3.5-4.5 feet) to allow for safe rebounding and balance.
- Flotation belt purpose
- A flotation belt supports the body in deep water, keeping the head above water and allowing vertical exercise without foot contact.