Abstract

Introduction: Currently, overweight and obesity represent a global health challenge, contributing to the rise of cardiovascular diseases. Deep water running (DWR) is a non-pharmacological strategy aimed at minimizing adverse effects, as well as improving cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity in women with overweight and obesity. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week DWR program on cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity in women with overweight and obesity. Methods: A randomized-controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-two women were randomly allocated to the control group or DWR group. Heart rate variability (HRV), 6-min walking test, body composition, and food intake were assessed before and after the protocol. Results: After the 12-week DWR program, there was a significant increase in the cardiac parasympathetic modulation (DWR-G: HF nu index of HRV, baseline: 40.3 ± 15.7; Post: 53.76 ± 25.8, p < 0.05), as well as in the distance covered in the 6-min walking test (DWR-G: Baseline: 533 m; Post: 574 m, p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed for the CG. There were no significant changes regarding the body composition (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 12 weeks of DWR exercise without dietary control were effective in improving functional capacity and cardiac autonomic modulation in women living with overweight and obesity. However, no significant changes were observed in body composition. Future studies should consider incorporating nutritional counseling and a multidisciplinary approach to support sustainable lifestyle and dietary behavior changes. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag Italia S.r.l., part of Springer Nature 2025.